Mystery Road: Origin to premiere on ABC and iview on 3 July
Screenwest is pleased to announce the much-anticipated Western Australian series Mystery Road: Origin will launch on Sunday, 3 July, at 8.30pm on ABC TV and iview.
Produced with major production investment from Screen Australia’s First Nations Department in association with Screenwest and Lotterywest and the Western Australian Screen Fund, the prequel series will explore how a tragic death, an epic love, and the brutal reality of life as a police officer straddling two worlds, form the indelible mould out of which will emerge, Detective Jay Swan.
It’s 1999 and the world is on the cusp of a new century. It’s a time of hope for many and a chance to tell a new story. But some old stories can’t be easily wished away.
Jay Swan, a freshly minted police detective, will discover this harsh truth when he takes up his first posting in a mining town, Jardine, pop. 1,000. Jay doesn’t know he is on the verge of a story that will change his life forever. While in town Jay will be confronted by a series of robberies, perpetrated by a masked gang, that are as random as they are violent. Fingers are pointed at a local hire company with petty crime connections, but the culprits are closer to home. In fact, they are right under Jay’s nose…
Mark Coles Smith, as Young Jay, leads an impressive ensemble of established stars and emerging talent including Toby Leonard Moore (Billions), Daniel Henshall (Clickbait), Lisa Flanagan (Total Control), Clarence Ryan (Stateless), Steve Bisley (Mad Max), Caroline Brazier (Rake), Hayley McElhinney (Doctor Doctor), Serene Yunipingu (Ready For This), Kelton Pell (The Heights), Leonie Whyman (New Gold Mountain), Salme Geransar (Clickbait), Nina Young (Harry Potter), Jayden Popik, Grace Chow, with Tuuli Narkle (All My Friends Are Racist) as Jay’s great love, Mary.
Filmed in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Coolgardie in WA’s Goldfields, the series is directed by Dylan River (Robbie Hood), produced by Mystery Road veterans Greer Simpkin and David Jowsey and written by Blake Ayshford, Steven McGregor, Timothy Lee, Dylan River and acclaimed Western Australian writer Kodie Bedford (Firebite, Robbie Hood, All My Friends Are Racist).
The previous two high-rating series were shot in the Kimberley, and were sold around the world, reaching new audiences and significantly raising the profile of Western Australia as both a sought-after filming destination and place to visit.
“The Mystery Road TV series has become synonymous with the beautiful landscapes of Western Australia – we have been to Kununurra and Wyndham, Broome and Derby and now in this prequel series to the beautiful Goldfields. The iconic buildings of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Coolgardie fit beautifully with the outback western feel of the series. We reckon our director Dylan River, working alongside a large contingent of WA cast and crew, has made a cracker of a series. We can’t wait for everyone to see it.” said Greer Simpkin and David Jowsey, Producers.
“It’s fantastic to see this gripping series return to our screens, with so much local talent featuring in front of and behind the camera. The Western Australian landscape feels like its own character in Mystery Road, and this time we look forward to seeing audiences become immersed in the evocative Goldfields.” said Rikki Lea Bestall, Screenwest CEO.
“For those who have been eagerly awaiting this next instalment of Jay Swan’s story, now is our chance to finally binge on this great series. I am so proud of the high calibre of work that our screen industry is producing.” said Minister David Templeman, Minister for Tourism; Culture and the Arts.
Ahead of its launch on ABC, the full series is set to make its world premiere at Sydney Film Festival on 18 June, where it is screening as part of the festival’s First Nations program strand.
Mystery Road: Origin premieres on ABC TV on Sunday, 3 July at 8:30pm, with all six episodes available to binge on ABC iview.
Production credit: Mystery Road: Origin is produced by Bunya Productions for the ABC, with major production investment from Screen Australia’s First Nations Department in association with Screenwest and Lotterywest, and the Western Australian Screen Fund. Financed in association with Screen NSW, with All3Media International handling international sales.
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E: info@screenwest.com.au
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