Filming has commenced in Melbourne on ABC ME’s latest live action offering Turn Up The Volume with major production investment from Screen Australia. Produced by Matchbox Pictures and Film Camp, the 10-part series will follow a group of young female and gender diverse teenagers who start a band at a music camp held in Melbourne’s vibrant inner west.
Inspired by the coming of age documentary which followed the first Girls Rock! Camp in Melbourne, Turn Up The Volume explores the power of music, friendship and creativity as forces of transformation and connection. At first disillusioned and disconnected, this group of young teens join together to discover the strength to define themselves on their own terms, and find belonging in the embrace of community.
Boasting a dazzling cast of emerging Australian talent including Riya Mandrawa as Vivi, Erza James as Hex, Elaine King as Ginger, Mira Russo as Breeze and Ayiana Ncube as Jam. Turn Up The Volume also features Justine Clarke, Spencer McLaren, Keith Brockett, Debra Lawrance, Dennis Coard, Kaiya Jones, Ben Chen and Madison Lu, plus a cameo by Tim Rogers.
Screen Australia’s Head of Content Grainne Brunsdon said, “We’re proud to support this original, lively and empowering series that centres on young women and non-binary people. We’re thrilled to support the partnership between experienced producers Film Camp and Matchbox Pictures, working together with an exciting team of writers and we’re sure this project will connect with young viewers here and around the world.”
Libbie Doherty, ABC Head of Children’s said, “Turn Up The Volume is a heartfelt voyage through the streets of Footscray for young girls and gender non-conforming teens. Leaning into the zeitgeist this series explores identity, love and teen loss set against the struggles of growing up, all through the relatable prism of music and – starting a band!
“There is an extraordinary team of emerging talent in front and behind the camera assembled for this show. Supported by the safe hands of Pip Campey and Rachel Davis, who have a track record for finding and telling extraordinary stories from an unexpected perspective, along with the powerhouse team from Matchbox Pictures’ Amanda Higgs. We know “The Volume” will strike a deep chord with our ABC Me audiences who are finding their voice.”
Philippa Campey and Rachel Davis, producers, said, “It’s a huge privilege to be working on this series with Matchbox Pictures and such a talented group of writers, directors, cast and crew. It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to bring these stories to a fantastic audience on ABC ME.”
Matchbox Pictures’ Amanda Higgs, said, “We couldn’t be more thrilled to be taking centre stage with ABC ME on this totally alive and brilliant new series. Rachel and Pip’s passionate commitment to crafting this amazing team of writers and directors has been unwavering – all who care deeply about these characters and their stories.”
“They’ve assembled a mix of experienced, emerging and new creatives across every department – and a young cast to die for. It is more important than ever for young Australian audiences to see themselves reflected on screen. It wouldn’t be possible to present this inclusion without the superstar back up support of Screen Australia, Vic Screen, and forever Matchbox and NBCU. We’ve found our tribe and are ready to turn up the volume!”
Written by Dannika Horvat (), Penelope Chai (, ), Matthew Bon (), Ciarán Hanrahan (), and newcomers Chloe Wong, Betiel Beyin and Leigh Lule, with direction by Tenika Smith (, , ), Jub Clerc (, ), Harry Lloyd () Jessie Oldfield and Adam Murfet (, Heartbreak High).
Production Credits: Turn Up The Volume is a Matchbox Pictures and Film Camp production, produced by Philippa Campey and Rachel Davis and executive produced by Matchbox Pictures’ Amanda Higgs and Margaret Ross for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Major production investment from Screen Australian in association with the ABC. Financed with support from VicScreen. Matchbox Pictures is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group.
