“Boy Swallows Universe” will begin filming in Queensland’s capital Brisbane next month.
The eight-part series is being adapted from Trent Dalton’s book of the same name for Netflix.
It will be produced by Sydney-based Brouhaha Entertainment.
The novel tells the story of working-class Brisbane teenager Eli Bell who is exposed to drug addiction, ex-cons, poverty, violence and the power of love.
Queensland’s premier Annastacia Palaszuck said it made sense to make the story in Brisbane.
“Brisbane-based author Trent Dalton captivated the world with his brutal yet magical tale set in 1980s Brisbane among iconic local landmarks such as Boggo Road Gaol and Brisbane City Hall’s clock tower,” she said.
“This uniquely Brisbane production will also boost our local screen industry by injecting around $33 million into the Queensland economy and creating approximately 185 jobs for cast and crew and an estimated 2,500 extras.”
Kylie Munnich, Screen Queensland’s CEO, said the series will shine a spotlight on the city, illuminating it as a top filming location as well as one of the state’s prominent filmmaking hubs.
“Brisbane has earned its reputation as a one-stop-shop for production, including film-friendly locations, experienced local crew, renowned post-production facilities and a fantastic studio facility in Screen Queensland Studios,” said Munnich.
“I thank Brouhaha Entertainment, Chapter One, Anonymous Content and Netflix for choosing the ‘river city’ to film “Boy Swallows Universe”, and look forward to seeing the words of this blockbuster novel come to life on screen featuring some of this city’s quintessential suburban locations.”
Producer Andrew Mason added that he was delighted to be bringing the production to Queensland.
“We’re thrilled to be producing this beloved story here in Queensland, with the very best of facilities, locations and world-class crew,” he Mason said.
The “Boy Swallows Universe” story was previously adapted for stage by the Queensland Theatre as part of the Brisbane Festival last year.
Author and executive producer of the series, Dalton, said filming the project in Queensland was the next logical step.
“It just makes sense,” he said. “This adaptation to the screen couldn’t happen anywhere else, and I am proud to be part of this exciting adventure on my home turf.
“’Boy Swallows Universe’ is my very deep and personal love letter to my city of Brisbane. I’m so incredibly honoured to know the Queensland Government and Screen Queensland is helping us mail that letter around the world.”
Que Minh Luu, director of content for Netflix ANZ, added: “Brisbane is such a key character in “Boy Swallows Universe” that Queensland was always the first-choice location for us to bring to life on screen the evocative and uniquely Australian universe that Trent created.”
The series has been adapted for screen by writer John Collee (“Master and Commander”, “Happy Feet”, “Hotel Mumbai”). Executive producers on the project are Troy Lum (“The Water Diviner”, “Saving Mr Banks”, “Mao’s Last Dancer”), Andrew Mason (“The Matrix”, “The Water Diviner”), Sophie Gardiner (“Howard’s End”, “Chimerica”), Kerry Kohansky-Roberts (“Foe”, “Boy Erased”) and Joel Edgerton (“The Great Gatsby”, “Bright”, “The King”).
Locally, Netflix is also gearing up to release a reimagined version of “Heartbreak High”.
