A new adrenaline-fuelled TV series set against the spectacular backdrop of Central Australia and showcasing iconic landmarks around Alice Springs will inject $5 million into the Territory economy and employ nearly 400 people when filming begins next year.
The Territory Labor Government is investing $1.5 million into MaveriX – the largest locally produced screen project in the Northern Territory’s history. The 10 x 30 minute episode series is set in the world of Motocross, starring a diverse group of teenagers driven to succeed in their chosen sport.
Alice Springs based production house, Brindle Films, will shoot the series over three months next year which will provide employment opportunities for nearly 400 Territorians.
The $5 million production investment will be spent across jobs, goods, and services including accommodation, transport, catering/hospitality and set building materials.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF), Screen Australia and South Australian Film Corp (SAFC) are providing investment into the series.
The Territory Labor Government has invested $9 million into the Northern Territory screen industry over four years, recognising its importance in sharing Territory stories with the world and its economic benefits, including employment for the Territory particularly after the impacts of COVID-19.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss:
“Our creative industries are the heart and soul of the Territory, connecting us, telling our stories, delighting us, challenging us, making us better.
“Our Government’s $9 million strategic investment over four years has seen significant growth of our screen sector and the development of significant local productions, including the SBS series Robbie Hood, Top End Wedding, Jimmy Shu’s Taste of the Territory and the recent feature film High Ground, garnering national and worldwide critical acclaim.
“By investing in the Northern Territory screen industry the Territory Labor Government is supporting a resilient and digitally innovative sector who play a crucial role in shaping perceptions of the Territory to a worldwide audience.
“This project is important for Alice Springs and the Northern Territory more broadly. Production of the series in Alice will effectively provide upskilling and employment opportunities for a large proportion of the NT screen sector as well as job opportunities for a wide range of support personnel and Territory businesses.”
Quote from Brindle Films, Rachel Clements:
“We are so grateful to the Northern Territory Government and Screen Territory for this incredible level of support for MaveriX. It is because of the NT Government’s record investment that we are able to film the series in Alice Springs, and share this story that’s intrinsically connected to place.
“The Government’s contribution of $9 million to the NT screen industry has made it possible for us to develop and finance a project of MaveriX’s scale. We want to produce a show that presents our NT kids on screen in an aspirational way, and one that the Alice Springs community can be proud of.”
As stated by Libby Doherty, ABC Head of Children’s Production:
“We are pleased to announce MaveriX, a big, audacious ABC ME series that will sit alongside our other award-winning shows like Mustangs FC and The Unlisted. A wall-to-wall high-octane motocross adventure, made for the upper end of the ABC ME audience, the series is an ambitious contemporary action drama.
“Shot in the distinctive heart of Australia, Alice Springs, and featuring a rich culturally diverse cast that reflects our multicultural ABC ME audience, we believe that MaveriX will grab hold of our audience’s imaginations from the very first frame and never let go.”
As stated by Jenny Buckland, CEO Australian Children’s Television Foundation:
“The ACTF was immediately captivated by this story when Brindle Films pitched us the concept three years ago.
“Children all over Australia – indeed the world – are going to be drawn into the stories and the dramatic Alice Springs and red centre region, which are the perfect backdrop to the high energy adventures in MaveriX.”
Quote from Sally Caplan, Head of Content, Screen Australia:
“This is an original drama that will captivate young audiences with an action-packed story that also showcases the stunning landscapes of the Northern Territory. We are proud to support the experienced Brindle Films along with local creatives to bring this adventurous teen series to life.”
Production credit:
MaveriX is a Brindle Films production for the ABC. Major production investment from Screen Australia in association with the ABC and Screen Territory. Financed with support from the Australian Children’s Television Foundation and the South Australian Film Corporation.
