ITCH Series Two Commences Drama Production in Western Australia
The cast of ITCH Season 2: L-R- Samuel Ireland (Itch), Kylah Day...
The cast of ITCH Season 2: L-R- Samuel Ireland (Itch), Kylah Day (Lucy), Melanie Wozniak (Jack), Harry Popple (Darcy), Charles Russell (Tim), Henry Mendez (Quinn), Keala Kern (Chloe), Lauren Cambell (Bella). Photo by David Dare Parker.
ITCH Series Two Commences Drama Production in Western Australia
Screenwest has announced ITCH Series Two season has commenced production and will be supported through the WA Screen Fund, with major production investment from Screen Australia.
The support from Screenwest will see production take place in the Great Southern and Peel regions.
The first season of the popular series was launched on ABC in late 2019 and has received international recognition, selling into several major markets including the US, UK and New Zealand.
Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman said the support of the new season of ITCH would be a boost for Western Australia’s growing screen industry.
“The fact that Western Australia is safe, stable and supportive of the arts is a significant attractor for the sector. The McGowan Government’s $16 million WA Screen Fund has been a wonderful incentive for production in the regions and it is just fantastic to see the Great Southern and Peel regions will be showcased to the world through a second series of ITCH.”
Amanda Morrison Head of Global Production and Managing Director of Komixx Entertainment in Australia explained, “ITCH series one has enjoyed a fantastic reception world-wide. Our BYUtv (US) audience, where ITCH is currently broadcasting, are loving the action-packed on-screen adventure and our unique Western Australian landscapes.”
She added, “We are anticipating the UK launch with the BBC and can’t wait to build on the universal themes of science and environmentalism in series two, while also showcasing the Great Southern and Peel regions to audiences across the world. ITCH series two will again be produced entirely out of Western Australia celebrating the talent of our local industry.”
The announcement comes as Screenwest also begins to confirm a solid slate of upcoming production in the state, post COVID-19, which will provide substantial employment and creative opportunities for the WA screen industry over the next eight months.
“We are thrilled to be commencing a solid slate of local productions, which will provide employment for local crew, economic and social benefit for regional communities and ensure more Western Australian stories are being produced for the screen, ready to be shared with audiences globally,” said Willie Rowe, CEO of Screenwest.
Rowe added, “The COVID-19 pandemic has presented exceptionally difficult circumstances for the screen industry globally, however with the support of the State Government of Western Australia and our partners Lotterywest, we were able to deliver the WA Screen Industry Sustainability Package, which has provided support for them to develop and prepare for this upcoming production period.
“With COVID-19 cases stable, production recommencing and the Western Australian Screen Fund renewed for $16 million over the next four years, Western Australia is now in the box seat to welcome international and interstate productions to shoot at some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes.”
About ITCH Series 2
ITCH Series 2: Popular children’s live action-adventure show ITCH will return to ABC ME with a 10-part second series from Komixx Entertainment.
The series follows science-obsessed teenager Itchingham Lofte who finds something strange is happening in his town of Seaburgh after a boat explosion and dead fish wash up on the shore. When he discovers Greencorp are operating a secret lab, it’s up to Itch and his friends to uncover the truth before it’s too late.
Returning for season two are producer Amanda Morrison, writer/producer Melanie Halsall, writers Heather Wilson and Jessica Brookman and director Nicholas Verso. They are joined by director Tenika Smith (The Heights) and writers Craig Irvin (Nowhere Boys), Rhys Graham, Ceinwen Langley (Neighbours) and Dan Berlinka.
Production credit: ITCH Series 2 is a Komixx Entertainment production for the ABC, with major production investment from Screen Australia in association with the ABC. Financed with support from Screenwest and the Western Australian Regional Film Fund. ABC Commercial holds worldwide distribution rights.
Media Contact
Alexandra Biddle
Head of Communications, Screenwest
T: +61 8 6169 2106
E: alexandra.biddle@screenwest.com.au