WA-based documentary series ‘Shipwreck Hunters Australia’ premieres today on Disney+
One of the first Australian Original series launched by Disney+, Shipwreck Hunters Australia follows a fearless team of ocean adventurers as they deep dive off the coast of WA to find - and bring to life - some of the world’s most epic shipwreck stories.
Disney+ Original documentary series Shipwreck Hunters Australia, filmed in Western Australia, is premiering around the world today, with all episodes now available to stream on the platform.
Shipwreck Hunters Australia is one of the first Australian Original documentary series launched by Disney+, with principal production investment from Screen Australia in association with Screenwest and Lotterywest, and the Western Australian Screen Fund.
In this premium six-part series, a group of highly-skilled divers and underwater filmmakers made up of Captain Ash Sutton, Andre Rerekura, Nush Freedman, Johnny Debnam and Ryan Chatfield – along with expert maritime archaeologists from the Western Australian Museum, Dr Ross Anderson and Dr Deb Shefi, explore Australia’s ‘Treasure Coast’ – believed to be the home of over 1,600 shipwrecks – to help unearth the mysteries and stories that lie beneath ocean depths.
With the beauty of Western Australia truly shining as its backdrop, Shipwreck Hunters Australia takes viewers on an epic expedition from the comfort of their living rooms. Filming took place off the Pilbara, Kimberley, Gascoyne, Mid West and Fremantle coastlines, with the series also showcasing the unique wildlife that call the waters of Western Australia home.
Director and Producer Brendan Hutchens (Testing Teachers, Walking Man, Drawn to Water) of VAM Media teamed up with professional divers and underwater filmmakers from Terra Australis Productions to bring these long-lost shipwreck secrets and new discoveries to the screen. They are joined by executive producer Steve Bibb of Barking Mad Productions and series producer Katherine Barrett (Aussie Gold Hunters). Director of Photography is Darren McCagh and Series Editors are Meredith Watson Jeffrey and Noah Norton.
“We’re proud to be supporting Shipwreck Hunters Australia, a series which is so distinctively Western Australian. We’re incredibly excited for audiences around the world to experience the team’s extraordinary journey on Disney+ and look forward to joining forces with the streaming platform on many more WA projects.” said Rikki Lea Bestall, Screenwest CEO.
“Bringing these stories to life with Disney+ is just the perfect partnership. Epic ocean expeditions, amazing shipwreck tales and a superhero team of shipwreck hunters makes for a truly one of a kind series. I am just so stoked to be able to share the adventure, and the team’s discoveries, with the world.” said Brendan Hutchens, Director/Producer, VAM Media.
All six episodes of Shipwreck Hunters Australia are now available to stream on Disney+.
Production credit: Shipwreck Hunters Australia is a VAM Media and Terra Australis Productions production in association with Barking Mad Productions for Disney+. Principal production investment from Screen Australia. Developed and produced with assistance from Screenwest and Lotterywest, and the State Government of Western Australia through the Western Australian Screen Fund. Additional support and expertise was provided by the Western Australian Museum.
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