“Turn Up The Volume” has commenced filming in Melbourne.
The 10-part series is produced by Matchbox Pictures and Film Camp for ABC channel ABC Me. It will tell the fictionalised story of a group of young female and gender diverse teenagers who start a band at a music camp in Melbourne’s inner west.
The story was inspired by the coming-of-age documentary “No Time For Quiet” which followed the first Girls Rock Camp in Melbourne.
“Turn Up The Volume” stars emerging Australian talent including Riya Mandrawa as Vivi, Erza James as Hex, Elaine King as Ginger, Mira Russo as Breeze and Ayiana Ncube as Jam. The series also features Justine Clarke, Spencer McLaren, Keith Brockett, Debra Lawrance, Dennis Coard, Kaiya Jones, Ben Chen and Madison Lu, plus a cameo by Tim Rogers.
The ABC said the show explores the power of music, friendship and creativity as forces of transformation and connection.
Libbie Doherty, ABC’s head of children’s, said she knows the story will strike a deep chord with the ABC Me audience who are finding their voice.
“‘Turn Up The Volume’ is a heartfelt voyage through the streets of Footscray for young girls and gender non-conforming teens. Leaning into the zeitgeist this series explores identity, love and teen loss set against the struggles of growing up, all through the relatable prism of music and – starting a band,” Doherty said.
“There is an extraordinary team of emerging talent in front and behind the camera assembled for this show. Supported by the safe hands of Rachel Davis and Philippa Campey, who have a track record for finding and telling extraordinary stories from an unexpected perspective, along with the powerhouse team from Matchbox Pictures.”
Amanda Higgs from Matchbox Pictures added: “We couldn’t be more thrilled to take centre stage with ABC Me on this totally alive and brilliant new series. Rachel and Philippa’s passionate commitment to assembling this amazing team of writers and directors has been phenomenal.
“It is more important than ever for young people to see themselves reflected on screen and we can’t wait for the world to embrace Vivi, Jam, Hex, Breeze and Ginger.”
“Turn Up The Volume” is a Matchbox Pictures and Film Camp production, produced by Philippa Campey and Rachel Davis and executive produced by Matchbox Pictures’ Amanda Higgs and Margaret Ross for the ABC). It had major production investment from Screen Australia and the ABC and was financed with support from Vic Screen.