Written by Kianna Best on Sep 20, 2023. Posted in Production News

Netflix series Desert King begins production in Australia

Marking the biggest series to be filmed in South Australia, Netflix announced the beginning of production on Desert King. The joint production between Easy Tiger and Ronde, created by Tim Lee and Ben Davies, will be helmed by director Greg McLean. Production is set to significantly contribute to the local South Australian economy and industry, providing 240 jobs across cast and crew.

The six episode neo-western series Desert King was announced by Netflix in August as part of their commitment to celebrating diversity and authenticity in up coming projects from Australia. With casting yet to be announced, the upcoming series, set in the Australian Outback,  revolves around a battle for the claim over the world’s biggest cattle station.

Desert King, photo by Tony Mott courtesy of Netflix

“Desert King is the ultimate tale of big land, big money and all the high stakes drama that come with it,” commented Netflix director of content ANZ Que Minh Luu. “We’re excited to be shooting our next premium Australian series to the Northern Territory for the first time, and at the world class production facilities in South Australia. We’re working with some of Australia’s leading creators and crew to bring to life a version of this country we’re proud to show to our members both here at home and around the world.”

Supported by the Southern Australian Film Corporation (SAFC), the project will receive the organisation’s Screen Production Fund as well as South Australia’s PDV Rebate. The Northern Territory will also provide their support for the production. As the biggest series to film in the South Australian region, the production is expected to be a significant contribution to the local economy as well as industry, creating 240 jobs across crew and cast.

Desert King, photo by Tony Mott courtesy of Netflix

“This major new series is the latest exciting example of the fruitful screen production alliance that exists between South Australia and Northern Territory, where the SAFC’s flexible Adelaide Studios production facilities, coupled with South Australia’s world-class crews and PDV providers, provides the perfect base for productions filming at locations across both regions,” added SAFC CEO Kate Croser. “The SAFC is proud to support this exciting new series which will utilise a majority South Australian crew comprising post-production services and key creatives, including top South Australian producer Paul Ranford, and which will once again provide a showcase for our state’s screen production capability and talent.”

“Attracting major international streaming platforms like Netflix to South Australia speaks volumes about the remarkable skill and creativity of our Adelaide Studios,” commented minister for the arts Andrea Michaels MP. “The Malinauskas Government will continue to invest in and support our world-class screen industry to tell Australian stories to the world.”