Screenwest partners with BBC Studios Productions Australia to bring Aussie version of hit comedy series, GHOSTS to Western Australia
The new local adaptation of the beloved and critically acclaimed British sitcom will enter production in 2025, creating a slew of opportunities for the Western Australian screen sector.
Screenwest and BBC Studios Productions Australia are pleased to announce GHOSTS AUSTRALIA is heading to Western Australia for production in 2025. The series will premiere on Paramount+ and Network 10 later in the year.
With its striking landscapes, skilled crew and Australia’s most competitive production attraction incentives, demand for Western Australia as a filming destination is already booming, with the number of scripted film and television productions produced in WA each year, more than doubling across the last five years.
The new local adaptation of the beloved and critically acclaimed British sitcom will be filmed in Perth thanks to the Western Australian Production Attraction Incentive.
This distinctive and highly spirited family comedy series will be set in a haunted country house full of new ghosts who are as chaotic, unpredictable and messy as Australian history itself.
The eight-part series will be directed by Christiaan Van Vuuren (The Office Australia, 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).
The writing team is headed 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).
Young lovebirds Kate and Sean are about to jump into the hellscape of the inner-city property market, until Kate inherits a huge and historic mansion in the country. The only problem? It’s haunted by a motley collection of spirits who over the centuries, carked it under this very roof.
When go-getter Kate decides to revamp “Ramshead Manor” into a boutique hotel, nerdy city boy Sean has his doubts. But when a near-death experience gives Kate the power to see the ghosts, all their lives (and afterlives) will change forever.
The question is, as Kate and Sean navigate the milestones of a new relationship, build a business and deal with the emotional needs of six neurotic ghosts, will their relationship survive… or end up as dead as their new housemates?
“GHOSTS has entertained audiences all around the world, and we’re so pleased to welcome Network 10, Paramount+ and BBC Studios Productions Australia to Western Australia for the Australian series. The production will kick off what is set to be an exciting year for the WA screen sector, creating a slew of opportunities for Western Australians.” said Rikki Lea Bestall, Screenwest CEO.
“We’re excited to bring GHOSTS to life with a unique cast of characters that reflect our very own history and culture. Western Australia will provide the perfect backdrop for all their comedic antics and we’re grateful to Screenwest for their support.” said Kylie Washington, General Manager and Creative Director, BBC Studios Productions Australia.
“We are thrilled to bring the hugely popular UK and US hit GHOSTS to Australia! It’s an incredible opportunity to film this one-of-a-kind comedy series in Western Australia with the support of Screenwest, alongside an amazing cast and crew. We can’t wait for production to start.” said Daniel Monaghan, SVP Content and Programming, Paramount Australia.
A German version of GHOSTS was recently announced adding to the international success of the format which first aired on the BBC in the UK. The fifth and final series of the original UK version was the most-watched comedy in 2023, with the finale watched by over six million people in seven days.
The US version is in production with its fourth season for CBS, which is produced by CBS Studios in association with Lionsgate Television and BBC Studios Los Angeles Productions and distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.
GHOSTS AUSTRALIA will head into production in Western Australia in 2025.
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.
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