MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
3 March 2021
The Queensland Government via Screen Queensland today announced that Fremantle Australia’s brand-new teen series, Taylor’s Island (working title), will film exclusively on the Gold Coast from July this year.
Taylor’s Island (working title) follows the adventures of 14-year-old Taylor and her tight-knit group of friends as they explore the mysteries of their island home.
It features a diverse female cast anchored by Australian leads and is produced for Viacom, to broadcast on Network 10 in Australia and Nickelodeon internationally.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the production would contribute around $9 million to the local economy and support around 165 jobs which is important for our economic recovery.
“Through Screen Queensland, my government is proud to support the screen industry in Queensland because it creates local jobs,” the Premier said.
“We’ve also emerged as one of the safest places to film because of the hard work of all Queenslanders in managing the global pandemic.
“Queensland is the place to be backed up by our enviable reputation for creating high-quality children’s screen content with local production companies Ludo Studio (Bluey, The Strange Chores), Like A Photon Creative (Combat Wombat, The Wishmas Tree) and The Steve Jaggi Company (Dive Club, Swimming For Gold) garnering global recognition for our screen industry.”
Screen Queensland Chief Creative Officer Jo Dillon said Taylor’s Island is another example of exciting new Australian-made children’s content driven by strong female characters.
“It’s great to see a series about a diverse group of teenagers, led by a girl, driven by curiosity and a strong sense of adventure, and we’re proud that it’s being made on the Gold Coast.
“The lead roles will all be played by young Australian actors—an enormous step in their budding careers,” Ms Dillon said.
Chris Oliver-Taylor, Fremantle’s CEO Asia Pacific, who will Executive Produce the Series, said, “Taylor and her friends are fearless, curious and brave, driven by an insatiable thirst for solving mysteries and discovering the truth.
“Fremantle, with our producer Tim Powell, and co-producer Jonah Klein, is proud to be working on a show that is both diverse and communicates positive messages to young viewers.
“We are delighted to be working with the ViacomCBS team on this wonderful series and are thrilled to be back in Queensland,” Mr Oliver-Taylor said.
The series will be created by a diverse team of talented writers led by Queensland script producer and writer Stephen Vagg. Writers include Sam Carroll (The Bureau of Magical Things), Alix Beane (Mustangs FC), David Hannam (Nowhere Boys), Marisa Nathar (Mustangs FC), Natesha Somasundaram (The Unlisted), Trent Roberts (Secret Bridesmaids’ Business) and Hannah Samuel (The PM’s Daughter).
Taylor’s Island has received major production investment from Screen Australia in association with Screen Queensland.
ENDS
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
media@screenqld.com.au
ABOUT FREMANTLE
Fremantle is a global leader in producing and distributing content, known for creating irresistible entertainment of all genres and as the place that creatives want to call home. We are an independent family of producers, studios, incubators and culture shapers who are experts at working with global talent to translate ideas into award-winning content that audiences love. Each year we produce over 12,000 hours of original programming and distribute over 30,000 hours of content in more than 200 territories. In Australia, Fremantle productions include the hugely successful Australia’s Got Talent, Australian Idol, Grand Designs Australia, Escape from the City, The Recording Studio, Farmer Wants A Wife and Restoration Australia; and original drama such as Wentworth, Picnic at Hanging Rock, Neighbours and soon to be released With Intent. Fremantle is at the forefront in the creation and production of podcasts, digital media content, brand integration and brand extensions including the popular Grand Designs Magazine and Australia’s number one selling board game, Family Feud.
Alex Beane, Writer 
Chris Oliver, CEO Asia Pacific 
Hannah Samuel, Writer 
Marisa Nathar, Writer
