- Production starts on second season of acclaimed series Mystery Road: Origin
- Investment support from Cook Government brings production to South West
- Production expected to generate about 40 local jobs
Western Australian Government support has seen the critically acclaimed and multi-award-winning television series Mystery Road: Origin return to the State to film its second season with production underway in the South West.
The production has received investment from Screen Australia’s First Nations Department in association with Screenwest and Lotterywest and the Western Australian Regional Screen Fund (WARSF).
The production is expected to create 40 job opportunities, and this series also features an entirely First Nations writing team.
The six-part drama, produced by Bunya Productions, is the fourth Mystery Road series to be filmed in Western Australia with previous instalments filmed in Kununurra/Wyndham, Broome and Kalgoorlie/Coolgardie.
Season two of Mystery Road: Origin continues to delve into the early years of detective Jay Swan with Western Australian director Jub Clerc directing the series following her award-winning feature film debut Sweet As.
Three Western Australian actors have reprised their lead roles – AACTA Award-winning Lead Actor and proud Nyikina man Mark Coles Smith (We Bury The Dead, Beasts of War) as young Jay, AACTA Award-winning Lead Actress Tuuli Narkle (NCIS S1 & S2, Territory) as young Mary, and Clarence Ryan (Territory, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga) as Sputty.
The WARSF aims to build Western Australian regional capacity and contribute to the liveability and vibrancy of the State’s regional communities.
The fund has supported many high-profile productions such as the multi-award-winning film Sweet As and popular documentaries including Ningaloo Nyinggulu.
The WARSF is funded by the Cook Government through the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, and managed by Screenwest.
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
“Our Government’s Western Australian Regional Screen Fund continues to support quality productions and I’m sure there is great excitement in the South West about the opportunities being provided for talented locals.
“The Mystery Road project team has a strong track record and experience delivering works in regional and remote locations including excellent engagement with regional communities.
“I look forward to seeing our amazing State showcased in this new season.”
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
“This production will bring employment and business opportunities to locations in our amazing South West providing a major boost to the economy.
“The production expects to create 40 job opportunities in Western Australia and showcases our State as being a great destination for film and television productions.
“The support for this project is part of the Cook Government’s ongoing commitment to stimulating growth and jobs in our regions.”
