Photo by Patrick Bradley.
The Gold Coast region again shows its diversity, setting the scene for a mismatched mystery-solving duo who are thrust into a fight for survival in the ABC’s new crime series, Troppo.
Premiering on ABC and ABC iview on Sunday 27 February, Troppo centres around disgraced ex-cop Ted Conkaffey (Thomas Jane), who is recruited by an ex-con turned private investigator Amanda Pharrell (Nicole Chamoun), to solve the disappearance of a Korean family man and tech pioneer.
The production was secured by the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy and viewers will recognise several Gold Coast locations, including Maas Marina in Steiglitz, Hinze Dam, Woongoolba Hall, Jacobs Well, Molendinar and Currumbin.
The eight-part series employed 130 Queensland cast and crew and injected approximately $10 million into our state economy.
Screen Queensland CEO Kylie Munnich said it was the first time Sydney production companies EQ Media Group (Rake, Cook Like an Italian with Silvia Colloca, Todd Sampson’s Body Hack) and Beyond Entertainment (Pooch Perfect, Selling Houses Australia) had created a series exclusively in Queensland.
“EQ Media Group and Beyond Entertainment are companies behind some of the country’s highest rated, exportable, Australian-made content, and we are delighted they chose Queensland to bring this story to life,” said Ms Munnich.
EQ Media Group Head of Scripted Lisa Duff said working with Screen Queensland and filming in the state was a great experience.
“We managed to find a perfect location on the Gold Coast to base the production − it had the filming space we required and the right look for our unique small town, with mangroves, cane fields and lovely houses nearby,” said Ms Duff.
“Due to travel restrictions, it was vital that we employed as many local cast and crew as possible, and the Queensland-based talent were experienced, professional and a joy to work with.
“Plus, being on the Gold Coast meant enjoying the beautiful beaches in down-time, and being spoiled for choice with cafes, restaurants, and great bush and coastal walks.”
Upcoming productions in Queensland include highly anticipated Disney+ series Nautilus, season two of Tim Minchin’s Foxtel series Upright, SBS’ Eurovision: Australia Decides – Gold Coast 2022 and Mistletoe Ranch by Brisbane-based producer The Steve Jaggi Company.
Troppo is an EQ Media Group and Beyond Entertainment production in association with Renegade Entertainment, with major production financing from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, AGC Studios in association with Aperture Media Partners, and Screen Australia in association with Screen Queensland and with support from the City of Gold Coast.
Troppo premieres Sunday 27 February, 8:30pm on ABC and is available to binge on ABC iview.
