Mystery Road - The Series

###MYSTERY ROAD – THE SERIES

ARON PEDERSEN & JUDY DAVIS CAST IN MYSTERY ROAD

Aaron Pedersen and Judy Davis will star in MYSTERY ROAD – THE SERIES, a six part spin-off from Ivan Sen’s internationally acclaimed and award winning feature films Mystery Road and Goldstone. Filming will commence in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia this August.

MYSTERY ROAD – THE SERIES is produced by Bunya Productions for the ABC with funding support from Screenwest, Screen Australia, the Western Australian Regional Film Fund supported by Royalties for Regions and Create NSW, produced in association with all3media International who will be handling the international sales.

Directed by Rachel Perkins, produced by David Jowsey and Greer Simpkin, MYSTERY ROAD – THE SERIES is script produced by Michaeley O’Brien, who writes with Steven McGregor, Kodie Bedford, Jon Bell and Tim Lee, with Ivan Sen and the ABC’s Sally Riley and Kym Goldsworthy as executive producers.

Detective Jay Swan (Aaron Pedersen) is assigned to investigate the mysterious disappearance of two young farm hands on an outback cattle station. One is a local Indigenous footy hero, and the other a backpacker. Working with local cop Emma James (Judy Davis), Jay’s investigation uncovers a past injustice that threatens the fabric of the whole community.

Bunya Productions’ Greer Simpkin said: “It is a great honour to be working with our exceptional lead cast Judy Davis and Aaron Pedersen and accomplished director Rachel Perkins on the Mystery Road series. Our hope is that the series will not only be an entertaining and compelling mystery, but will also say something about the Australian identity.”

ABC TV Head of Drama Sally Riley said: “The ABC is thrilled to have the immense talents of the extraordinary Judy Davis and Aaron Pedersen in this brand new series of the iconic Australian film Mystery Road. This series promises to be a landmark event for 2018.”

Penny Smallacombe, Head of Screen Australia’s Indigenous Department, said: “We’re extremely proud to have supported Mystery Road from its early beginnings as a feature film, through to Goldstone and now as a rich, captivating drama series from the experienced team at Bunya Productions. Television audiences around the world are embracing Indigenous stories and with Rachel Perkins at the helm, a stellar cast on board and stunning locations, the series is set to be a success both in Australia and internationally.”

Michael Brealey, CEO of Create NSW, said: “Create NSW is proud to support NSW production company Bunya and acclaimed director Rachel Perkins, also from Sydney, to bring this high-end television series to the screen. Post-production on the series will take place in Sydney. NSW is experiencing a surge in television production with the two-year $20m Made in NSW fund contributing to a doubling of television production expenditure in the State over the past financial year.”

The series is set to premiere on the ABC in 2018

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An all star Australian cast joins Aaron Pedersen & Judy Davis as filming commences on ABC’S Mystery Road - The Series

As filming for ABC’s six-part drama Mystery Road – The Series gets under way in Western Australia’s East Kimberley this week, a powerhouse of Australian talent set to join the production is announced.

Deborah Mailman, Colin Friels, Wayne Blair, Anthony Hayes, Ernie Dingo, John Waters, Aaron McGrath, Tasma Walton, Madeleine Madden, Kris McQuade, Meyne Wyatt, Tasia Zalar and Ningali Lawford Wolf are set to star alongside Aaron Pedersen and Judy Davis in this the spin-off from Ivan Sen’s internationally acclaimed and award winning films Mystery Road and Goldstone.

Mystery Road – The Series sees Detective Jay Swan (Aaron Pedersen) assigned to investigate the mysterious disappearance of two young farm hands on an outback cattle station. One is a local Indigenous footy hero, and the other a backpacker. Working together with local cop Emma James (Judy Davis), Jay’s investigation uncovers a past injustice that threatens the fabric of the whole community.

Directed by Rachel Perkins, produced by David Jowsey and Greer Simpkin, Mystery Road – The Series is being script produced by Michaeley O’Brien and written by Michaeley O’Brien, Steven McGregor, Kodie Bedford, Jon Bell and Tim Lee, with Ivan Sen and the ABC’s Sally Riley and Kym Goldsworthy as executive producers.

Mystery Road – The Series is produced by Bunya Productions and Golden Road Productions for the ABC with funding support from Screenwest, the Western Australian Regional Film Fund supported by Royalties for Regions, Screen Australia’s Indigenous Department and Create NSW, in association with all3media International who will handle the international sales.

The series is set to premiere on the ABC in 2018.

Promos have begun. I thought it might screen in the Harrow timeslot after this week but looks like Endeavour is going there.

That slot is taken

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Yeah, thanks. I just checked that and changed my post.

Maybe they’ll go back to Thursdays for Aussie drama but this week they have a repeat of The Coronation there. Mystery Road at 8.30pm might be a better lead in for Wentworth too.

Mystery Road brings the drama this winter, premiering on ABC & ready to binge on iview this June

Sunday, 3 June at 8.30pm

Hotly anticipated six-part drama Mystery Road will debut on ABC and ABC iview on Sunday, 3 June at 8.30pm.

ABC is kicking off its premiere with a special back-to-back screening of both episodes one and two, with the entire series available to binge on iview following the broadcast.

Aaron Pedersen and Judy Davis lead a powerhouse of Australian talent, including co-stars Deborah Mailman, Colin Friels, Wayne Blair, Anthony Hayes, Ernie Dingo, John Waters, Aaron McGrath, Tasma Walton, Madeleine Madden, Kris McQuade, Meyne Wyatt, Tasia Zalar and Ningali Lawford Wolf.

When there is a mysterious disappearance on an outback cattle station, Detective Jay Swan (Pedersen) is assigned to investigate. Working with local cop Emma James (Davis), Jay’s investigation uncovers a past injustice that threatens the fabric of the whole community.

Filmed in spectacular locations in Western Australia’s East Kimberley, the series is a spin-off from Ivan Sen’s internationally acclaimed and award-winning films Mystery Road and Goldstone and is directed by Rachel Perkins, produced by David Jowsey and Greer Simpkin, with Ivan Sen and ABC’s Sally Riley as Executive Producers.

As well as being the only Australian television series in competition at prestigious TV drama festival Series Mania in Lille, France this May, Mystery Road will have a masterclass session at Banff World Media Festival this June – an honour previously held by high profile drama including The Handmaid’s Tale and Black-ish.

Mystery Road is produced by Bunya Productions for the ABC with funding support from Screen Australia’s Indigenous Department, Screenwest and Lotterywest, the Western Australian Regional Film Fund supported by Royalties for Regions, Create NSW and produced in association with all3media International who are the international partner on the series.

Mystery Road will screen in the 25th anniversary year of Screen Australia’s Indigenous Department, of which the ABC is a long-term partner.

They keep trying Aussie dramas on Sunday nights but they end up struggling against the reality juggernauts on the commercial channels.

It’s also going to be clashing with another Aussie drama on Foxtel Showcase since “Picnic at Hanging Rock” screens Sundays from 6 May and will end 10 June.

Yes I would have avoided it going up against Picnic at Hanging Rock. Or Thursday’s. It doesn’t seem like the right fit for their Friday drama slot.

Hotly anticipated six-part drama Mystery Road will debut on ABC & ABC iview on Sunday, 3 June at 8:30pm. Because just one episode will leave audiences wanting for more, the ABC is kicking off its premiere with a special back-to-back screening of both episodes one and two, with the entire series available to binge on iview following the broadcast.

Filmed in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia, Aaron Pedersen and Judy Davis star in Mystery Road – The Series a six part spin-off from Ivan Sen’s internationally acclaimed and award winning feature films Mystery Road and Goldstone. Joining Pedersen and Davis is a stellar ensemble casting including Deborah Mailman, Wayne Blair, Anthony Hayes, Ernie Dingo, John Waters, Madeleine Madden, Kris McQuade, Meyne Wyatt, Tasia Zalar and Ningali Lawford-Wolf.

Directed by Rachel Perkins, produced by David Jowsey & Greer Simpkin, Mystery Road was script produced by Michaeley O’Brien, and written by Michaeley O’Brien, Steven McGregor, Kodie Bedford & Tim Lee, with Ivan Sen & the ABC’s Sally Riley as Executive Producers.

Bunya Productions’ Greer Simpkin said: “It was a great honour to work with our exceptional cast and accomplished director Rachel Perkins on the Mystery Road series. Our hope is that the series will not only be an entertaining and compelling mystery, but will also say something about the Australian identity.”

ABC TV Head of Scripted Sally Riley said: “The ABC is thrilled to have the immense talents of the extraordinary Judy Davis and Aaron Pedersen in this brand new series of the iconic Australian film Mystery Road. This series promises to be a landmark event for 2018.”

Penny Smallacombe, Head of Screen Australia’s Indigenous Department, said: “We’re extremely proud to have supported Mystery Road from its early beginnings as a feature film, through to Goldstone and now as a rich, captivating drama series from the experienced team at Bunya Productions. TV audiences around the world are embracing Indigenous stories and with Rachel Perkins at the helm, a stellar cast on board and stunning locations, the series is set to be a success both in Australia and internationally.”

Michael Brealey, CEO of Create NSW, said: “Create NSW is proud to support NSW production company Bunya and acclaimed director Rachel Perkins, also from Sydney, to bring this high-end television series to the screen.”

CAST
JAY SWAN Aaron Pedersen
EMMA JAMES Judy Davis
KERRY THOMPSON Deborah Mailman
LARRY DIME Wayne Blair
TONY BALLANTYNE Colin Friels
KEITH GROVES Ernie Dingo
RYAN MULLER Anthony Hayes
CRYSTAL SWAN Madeleine Madden
MARLEY THOMPSON Aaron McGrath
MARY SWAN Tasma Walton
CEDRIC THOMPSON Meyne Wyatt
SHEVORNE SHIELDS Tasia Zalar
DOT Ningali Lawford-Wolf
LIZ RUTHERFORD Kris McQuade
TRAVIS JAMES John Waters
ERIC Benjamin Hoetjes
GENEVIEVE Jessica Falkholt
VINCE Ben Oxenbould

Some images from the series

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US pick up for Mystery Road.

Stunning photography of outback especially the high shots of the scenery,makes the show pop out

The sequel to Mystery Road, the movie, Goldstone is being shown late night Sunday. Seeing how successful the series has been, why didn’t ABC show it in prime time? Did they show the original movie before the series started? Seems like another missed opportunity.

2019 Upfrons

Mystery Road, Series 2

A mangrove swamp. An endless sky. A headless body.

Detective Jay Swan takes on a grisly case in order to be closer to his family, but has he left it too late? Set in a small coastal community where the desert meets the ocean, secrets past and present run deep and dark. Jay must reconcile the law and deep lore and confront a dangerous enemy. It’s a world of cults, carpetbaggers and smugglers, of ruined churchmen and crazed archaeologists.

Series 1 won two Bronze World Medals at the New York Festivals International TV & Film Awards for Aaron Pedersen (best performance by an actor) and Judy Davis (best performance by an actress).

Mystery Road - Season 2

The Bridge’s Sofia Helin to star alongside Aaron Pedersen in the second series of award-winning drama Mystery Road, with Warwick Thornton and Wayne Blair at the helm

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ABC and Screen Australia, in association with Create NSW and Screenwest today announced that The Bridge’s Sofia Helin will star alongside Aaron Pedersen in the second series of Bunya Productions’ award-winning Mystery Road .

Following series one being voted Most Popular Drama at last month’s TV Week Logie Awards, filming for Mystery Road series two is underway in Western Australia’s picturesque Dampier Peninsular and Broome. Internationally celebrated and multi award-winning directors Warwick Thornton ( Sweet Country , Samson & Delilah ) and Wayne Blair ( Top End Wedding , The Sapphires ) are helming the six-episode series, with Thornton as director of photography.

The outstanding ensemble cast also includes Jada Alberts, Callan Mulvey, Tasma Walton, Rob Collins, Ngaire Pigram, Mark Mitchinson, Ursula Yovich, Rhimi Johnson, Gary Sweet, Fletcher Humphrys , Joel Jackson , John Brumpton , Eve Morey and Tasia Zalar who was nominated for the TV Week Logie Graham Kennedy Award for her performance in the first season.

Series two sees Detective Jay Swan (Pedersen) take on a grisly case in a new town in order to be closer to his family, but has he left it too late? Set in a small coastal community where the desert meets the ocean, secrets past and present run deep and dark. Jay must reconcile the law and deep lore and confront a dangerous enemy in a world where deception is king.

Bunya Productions’ Greer Simpkin and David Jowsey said, “It’s very special to be back in the beautiful Kimberley to shoot the second series, with our brilliant collaborators and good friends, Wayne Blair and Warwick Thornton, vowing to serve up a brew of tropic gothic outback noir. A brilliant cast, led by Aaron Pedersen and Sofia Helin, will again entertain and inspire audiences driving down that Mystery Road to seek our nation’s true identity”

ABC’s Head of Scripted Content, Sally Riley said “The overwhelmingly positive response to series one of Mystery Road , from both critics and viewers, has been extraordinary. Australians have gravitated to this unique homegrown story and we know that series two, with its exceptional cast and crew, will be no different. Taking home the award for Most Popular Drama Program at the recent TV Week Logie Awards has underscored that Australia is behind this series and the ABC looks forward to sharing the next instalment with them.”

Screen Australia’s Head of Indigenous Penny Smallacombe said “ Mystery Road was the critical and ratings hit of 2018, garnering fans at home, in the UK and the US. After Rachel Perkins’ extraordinary work in season one, and with Wayne Blair and Warwick Thornton joining for season two, Mystery Road is the definition of powerhouse Indigenous-led TV drama.”

Screenwest’s Head of Strategic Projects & Screen Investment Matthew Horrocks said: “The first season of Mystery Road set a benchmark for quality Australian television drama and showcased the Kimberley region to the world. The producers also set the standard in terms of community engagement, not least with the superb Indigenous storylines, cast and crew. Screenwest and the Western Australian Regional Film Fund are delighted to have series two shooting in another equally spectacular part of our state in the Dampier Peninsular and Broome.”

Create NSW Acting Executive Director Investment and Engagement Grainne Brunsdon said, “We were as pleased as anyone about the terrific success of series one and delighted that in series two we can once again bring post-production for the show back to NSW where it will be completed.”

All3media International’s CEO Louise Pedersen said, “The first season of Mystery Road is proving to be hugely popular with our global broadcast clients and audiences. With Sofia Helin joining a wonderful cast, Aaron Pedersen reprising his role as Detective Jay Swan and Warwick Thornton and Wayne Blair directing an intriguing new mystery story, we’re confident the second season will be equally as successful, and we are thrilled to be partnering with ABC and Bunya Productions again.”

Produced by David Jowsey and Greer Simpkin, Mystery Road is being script produced by Blake Ayshford and written by Steven McGregor, Blake Ayshford, Kodie Bedford, Timothy Lee and Danielle MacLean, with Ivan Sen and the ABC’s Sally Riley and Rebecca Anderson as executive producers.

The series will air on the ABC in 2020.

Screenshot_20191107-162739~2

World premieres for Stateless and Mystery Road at Berlin International Film Festival

ABC dramas Stateless and Mystery Road (series 2) will make their world premieres at the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival in February.

The compelling new programs, airing on ABC TV in 2020, are the only Australian television series selected for the 70th Berlinale, one of the world’s largest and most-distinguished public film festivals.

Powerful new drama Stateless, produced for the ABC by Matchbox Pictures and Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton’s Dirty Films, with support from Screen Australia and the South Australian Film Corporation, will screen on ABC TV from 1 March.

Series 2 of the AACTA and Logie award-winning Mystery Road , produced by Bunya Productions and Dark Matter Media for the ABC, with support from Screen Australia, Screenwest, the Western Australian Regional Film Fund supported by Royalties for Regions and Create NSW, sees the return of Detective Jay Swan (Aaron Pedersen) to take on a grisly case in an Australian coastal community.

Sally Riley, ABC Head of Drama, said: “The ABC is proud to fly the flag for outstanding Australian content at this year’s Berlin International Film Festival. Stateless and Mystery Road exemplify the ABC’s commitment to distinctive Australian stories that resonate around the world. This recognition also celebrates the high calibre of our homegrown talent, on and off camera, that make these shows possible.”

Michael Brealey, Screen Australia’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “To have two distinctive, premium television dramas in Stateless and Mystery Road Series 2 representing the Australian industry at this year’s Berlin Film Festival is a real coup. We are proud to have invested in both shows, with these projects featuring some of our country’s best talent in front of and behind the camera, and showcasing the diversity of Australia’s people and our landscapes. Congratulations to the creatives, cast and crew, and to the ABC for its continued commitment to exceptional Australian storytelling.”

Co-created by Cate Blanchett, Tony Ayres and Elise McCredie, Stateless centres on four strangers in an immigration detention centre in the Australian desert. The six-part series stars a multi award-winning cast, including Yvonne Strahovski, Jai Courtney, Asher Keddie, Fayssal Bazzi, Dominic West and Cate Blanchett. The series will be distributed worldwide by NBCUniversal.

Series 2 of the six-part Indigenous crime drama Mystery Road, filmed in Western Australia’s Dampier Peninsular and Broome, is helmed by multi award-winning directors Warwick Thornton and Wayne Blair. The outstanding ensemble cast also includes Jada Alberts, Callan Mulvey, Tasma Walton, Rob Collins and Ngaire Pigram. The series is produced in association with all3media International.