Adaptation of award-winning novel The Dark Lake set to film in Western Australia
Western Australia is cementing its position as a global screen production destination, securing crime series The Dark Lake to film in the state next year.
The series adaptation of Sarah Bailey’s award-winning novel from Brouhaha Entertainment (Boy Swallows Universe), will star Phoebe Tonkin (The Vampire Diaries, Babylon, Safe Harbour and Boy Swallows Universe) as a rural town detective who must confront dark secrets from her past when she investigates the murder of her former high school classmate.
Attracted to the state through the Western Australian Production Attraction Incentive, administered by Screenwest, the production is anticipated to inject more than $8.5 million into the state’s economy, creating an estimated 300 local jobs and offering skills development opportunities through Screenwest’s Below-the-Line Crew Capacity Program.
Set in a fictional wine region, the series will be filmed on location in Western Australia’s Perth metropolitan area in 2027.
Producers Troy Lum and Andrew Mason said, “After visiting Perth for an initial location scout earlier this year, we knew we’d found the perfect home for The Dark Lake. We’re incredibly grateful to Screenwest and the Minister for Creative Industries for their support of The Dark Lake and for welcoming us to Perth. We look forward to working with Western Australia’s talented local practitioners.”
The Dark Lake follows a slate of recent productions filming in the state including the Netflix series Breakers, Stan Original series Two Birds which filmed at Perth Film Studios and SBS/NITV series Saltwater Cowboys.
Screenwest CEO Rikki Lea Bestall said, “We are pleased to be supporting this exciting new series to film in Western Australia. Brouhaha Entertainment have a track record of producing evocative and powerful Australian stories, and I look forward to seeing our incredible local talent, crew and wine regions shine on the global stage in this new series.”
Minister for Creative Industries Simone McGurk said, “I’m pleased Western Australia has secured the adaptation of Sarah Bailey’s The Dark Lake to film in our State next year.”
“As a Government, we are proud to back production activity in the State, creating jobs and professional development opportunities for local practitioners – growing a sustainable and vibrant screen industry.
“The Cook Labor Government is building a local screen industry where talent thrives and careers are built.”
The Dark Lake is produced by Troy Lum and Andrew Mason, written and executive produced by Becca Johnstone, and executive produced by Giorgia Stawaruk, Phoebe Tonkin and Katarina Mandic. Major production investment from Screen Australia, in association with Screenwest and the Western Australian Production Attraction Incentive. Financed with support from Screen NSW.