By DANE LILLINGSTONE
THE Southern Downs region will play home to a new Australian television series to be filmed in locations around Warwick, Stanthorpe, Sandy Creek and Killarney.
The show Wanted will star gold Logie winner Rebecca Gibney, who is also a co-creator, and will premiere on Channel 7 in 2016. The drama series will follow two strangers who intervene in a deadly carjacking and proceed to be chased across Australia with a car full of money.
The series will feature the main cast travelling through rural areas, which is where the Southern Downs will feature prominently. Bushlands, creeks, buildings and roads throughout Warwick, Stanthorpe and Killarney will showcase the Southern Downs on a national stage.
Filming commences on the series on Monday 12 October and will continue through to 29 October.
It will be the second television production to commence in the region in as many weeks with filming for a Supercheap Auto national commercial at Warwick Airport being shot from 7-9 October.
Queensland will see the economic benefits of the series through filming and post-production both being completed in the state. The series is said to have already contacted local businesses about being involved in the shooting of the series.
Mayor Peter Blundell said it would be good opportunity to showcase the Southern Downs.
“The natural beauty of the Southern Downs, with its contrasting landscapes and historic buildings, lends itself to attracting production companies for films and advertisements. With easy proximity to Brisbane and strong local business support there is an opportunity for Southern Downs Regional Council to further promote the municipality as an ideal place for film production,” he said.
“Local film production brings new expenditure to the region and allows local business to pitch their skills and expertise to the production companies.
“Given the interest in the Southern Downs, with two productions underway, it may be time for council to be more proactive and put together a prospectus to Screen Queensland.
“Council staff are working with the production company to ensure all necessary permits and road closures are in place for filming to proceed without delay.”
Wanted is being produced by Matchbox Pictures and R & R Productions with support through Screen Australia and Screen Queensland.
There is also an opportunity to be an extra in the series with casting looking for local men and women aged 18-80 to play characters like townsfolk, barflies and truckies.
Those interested can contact budhopescasting@gmail.com
