Cameras rolling in Perth on Australian adaptation of Ghosts
The cameras are rolling on the Australian version of critically acclaimed British and US comedy, Ghosts, with production now underway in Perth.
The cameras are rolling on the Australian version of critically acclaimed British and US comedy, Ghosts, with production now underway in Perth.
The eight-episode comedy series, which is being filmed on-set and on-location in Perth, draws together a talented production team, including Western Australian born actors Mandy McElhinney and Brent Hill, and producer Bree-Anne Sykes, who return home for the series.
The BBC Studios Production Australia series, for Network 10 and Paramount Australia, is made possible with investment from Screenwest and the State Government’s Western Australian Production Attraction Incentive.
“Set in a haunted country house, Ghosts has entertained audiences around the world, and we’re delighted to welcome the Australian adaptation of this series to Perth,” said Rikki Lea Bestall, Screenwest Chief Executive Officer.
“The production kicks off an exciting year for the local screen sector, creating 200 jobs for Western Australian cast and crew.”
Navigating a new relationship Kate, played by Tamala (Cleverman, Nowhere Boys), is setting up house with Sean, Rowan Witt (Totally Completely Fine, Book Of Mormon), when she discovers she has inherited a huge and historic mansion in the country.
Kate wants to revamp Ramshead Manor into a boutique hotel, but loveable city boy Sean has his doubts. When a near-death experience gives Kate the power to see the ghosts, all their lives (and afterlives) will change forever.
The impressive cast of ghosts providing supernatural shenanigans each has their own tale to tell:
- Eileen (Mandy McElhinney) is an Irish potato famine survivor, hardworking publican and mother of 13 children – all of which she never, ever complains about. Ever.
- Gideon (Brent Hill) is a stoic naval officer, fresh off the Third Fleet with similarly fresh ideas about race, gender and politics.
- Miranda (Ines English) is a socialite bride-to-be from the early 1900s, repressing more than just her brutal opinions on the other Ghosts.
- Lindy (Michelle Brasier) is a vibrant 1980s aerobics instructor with people-pleasing tendencies and terrible taste in men.
- Joon (George Zhao) is a handsome young Chinese miner from the gold rush era with eternal concussion and a penchant for married women.
- Satan (Jackson Tozer) is a misunderstood 90s bikie with a heart of gold who’s most comfortable in a 2IC role and watching rom-coms in secret.
Daniel Monaghan, Paramount Australia SVP Content and Programming said: “We’re delighted to commence production on the Australian iteration of this much-loved global comedy hit.”
“Ghosts Australia boasts a stellar cast and an incredibly talented creative team. We can’t wait to bring this witty and heartfelt show to life, complete with our set of uniquely Australian ghosts.”
Kylie Washington, EVP and General Manager, Global Entertainment Australia, BBC Studios Australia and New Zealand said: “We’re excited to have assembled such a talented ensemble cast to breathe life into our distinctly Australian reimagining of Ghosts.”
“Ghosts has been a runaway hit in the UK and US and we’re looking forward to introducing audiences to these comedic, warm-hearted and unlikely group of flat mates that draw on our unique Australian culture and history.”
Ghosts Australia is directed by Christiaan Van Vuuren (Top End Bub, A Sunburnt Christmas) and Madeleine Dyer (Colin From Accounts, Austin), produced by Bree-Anne Sykes (Critical Incident, Wellmania) and Executive Produced by Sophia Zachariou (Ladies in Black, The Office Australia), Kylie Washington, EVP and GM Global Entertainment BBC Studios ANZ plus Paramount ANZ Head of Scripted and Comedy, Sophia Mogford.
The writing team is led by writer and executive producer Josh Mapleston (Surviving Summer), with script editor and writer Libby Butler (Surviving Summer, Neighbours) alongside writers Shontell Ketchell (Gold Diggers), Philip Tarl Denson (Zero-Point) and Steph Tisdell (Fisk, Rosehaven).
Western Australian heads of department include Vikki Barr (Production Manager), Production Accountant (Susie Campbell), Emma Fletcher (Production Designer), Lien See Leong (Costume Designer), Mark Boskell (1st AD), Dan Spriggs (Gaffer), Greg McKie (Grip), Trevor Hope (Sound Recordist), Rachael Hawkins (Location Manager) and Jacki McKie (Unit Manager).
The Western Australian Production Attraction Incentive is Australia’s most competitive incentive, which is designed to attract high profile, market driven screen productions to the State.
Ghosts Australia will premiere on Paramount+ and Network 10 later this year.
Production Credit: Ghosts Australia is a BBC Studios Productions Australia production for Network 10 and Paramount+ with major production investment from Screenwest and the Western Australian Production Attraction Incentive. Based on the original series GHOSTS, produced by Monumental Television in association with Them There for BBC One. Distributed by BBC Studios.
Front Row: Sophia Zachariou, Kylie Washington, Sophia Mogford, Tamala, Rowan Witt, Hon. Minister Simone McGurk, Rikki Lea Bestall, John Driscoll.
Back Row: Brent Hill, Mandy McElhinney, George Zhao, Ines English, Jackson Tozer, Michelle Brasier.
Photograph credit: Simon Westlake.