TIDE TURNS TO TV AS QLD FILM MAKERS SECURE FIRST EVER AUSTRALIAN NETFLIX ORIGINAL

BRISBANE and Gold Coast film makers are abuzz with today's announcement that its studios will soon play host to the first Netflix Original TV series wholly created in Australia.

Tidelands, written and developed by Brisbane-based production house Hoodlum, is expected to cement the south-east corner's reputation for high quality TV shows as well as complementing its booming movie portfolio.

Off the back of international blockbusters including Pirates of the Caribbean 5 and Thor Ragnarok, Tidelands will begin filming early next year and will benefit from a state government cash injection through industry body Screen Queensland.

"Tidelands will be the very first Netflix Original Series to be commissioned and made completely in Australia, with all filming to take place in south-east Queensland," says Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

"Post-production for the series will also take place in Queensland, ensuring our post production facilities and equipment houses benefit."

Netflix has a penchant for commissioning sci-fi and fantasy TV original hits including Stranger Things, Sense 8 and A Series of Unfortunate Events.

Tidelands is already shaping up to be no exception, following the story of an ex-criminal who returns to her seaside hometown of 'Orphelin Bay' to investigate its strange locals, described only as 'half-siren, half-human' beings called 'Tidelanders'.

She attempts to reveal the town's supernatural secrets after the body of a fisherman mysteriously washes ashore.

Screen Queensland CEO Tracey Vieira says securing Tidelands has affirmed Queensland as the nation's go-to destination for filmmaking.

Vieira says the win is also especially good for Hoodlum, which is riding on a high from local TV hits it has released within the past five years.

"Screen Queensland is committed to investing in innovative projects with international appeal and Tidelands will deliver great opportunities for Queensland," she says.

"This is the latest success for Emmy® and BAFTA Award-winning Hoodlum, with their reputation for creating ground-breaking film and television including Australia Day (2017), Secrets and Lies (2014), The Strange Calls (2012), teen series Slide (2011), and the recently announced Harrow, due to begin filming in August."

Tidelands will film a total of ten 50-minute episodes in Queensland for its first season, and the government expects around 80 jobs will be created as a result.

Business News Australia