SQ News

Production underway on Dive Club in picturesque Port Douglas


L-R Rhiannon Bannenberg (Director Bk 1 & 4), Sana’a Shaik, Mercy Cornwall, Miah Madden, Georgia-May Davis, Aubri Ibrag and Steve Jaggi.

Cast and crew have launched head first into production on teen mystery drama DIVE CLUB, shooting in Far North Queensland.

The 12 episode series is the latest project from The Steve Jaggi Company, and the fourth production undertaken by the company during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

DIVE CLUB is set for worldwide release in 2021, screening in more than 190 countries as a Netflix original. Ahead of its Netflix release, DIVE CLUB will premiere to Australian audiences on Network 10. With a storyline that hooks you from the start, standout performances from a talented, young cast and the picturesque Port Douglas backdrop, the series takes Australian made production in the YA genre to a whole new level.

Starring Miah Madden (Australia Day, The Unlisted), Georgia-May Davis (Young Talent Time, Disney Backstage Pass), Sana’a Shaik (Reckoning, 2067), Mercy Cornwall (The Queen’s Gambit, The Heights) and newcomer Aubri Ibrag, DIVE CLUB is the story of 16-year-olds Maddie (Madden), Lauren (Davis), Anna (Ibrag) and Stevie (Shaik). On the surface they’re regular teenagers navigating life, friendship and romance, but under the water the skilled divers enter a whole new world of adventure.

It’s an idyllic existence that’s suddenly shattered when Cape Mercy is battered by a cyclone and Lauren, the group’s charismatic trailblazer goes missing. The mystery of her disappearance, the arrival of a new friend, Izzie (Cornwall) and with suspicious holes in the official investigation, the girls are plunged into a desperate search of their own that raises more questions the deeper they dive.

Rounding out the cast is Australian model and digital creator Joshua Heuston making his screen debut, Alexander Grant (Radio Waves), and Joseph Spanti (Coffee Lover).

Behind the camera is a strong collection of talent and experience, with Directors Rhiannon Bannenberg, Hayley MacFarlane and Christine Luby, and Showrunner and Series Creator Steve Jaggi.

Dive Club is a culmination of a lot of hard work and Imagineering from an incredibly talented group of writers and filmmakers. Every detail has been meticulously planned – from Cape Mercy’s colourful history through to each costume and prop seen on screen – all with the objective of creating a unique series which will captive audiences around the globe,” Jaggi states.

Producer Spencer McLaren says, “We’ve been fortunate to have been able to undertake projects during Covid, the team has created a safe environment in Port Douglas and we’re spoilt with the most amazing locations of natural Far North Queensland beauty.”

The Steve Jaggi Company with its impressive track record and innovative approach  to creating quality film and series content for the global market, has clearly stamped its mark on the YA genre, laying claim to multiple successful films in the space including Rip Tide (Amazon Prime), Back Of The Net (Disney US, Foxtel AU) and Swimming For Gold (Universal).

DIVE CLUB has been supported by the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland and is operating under the Queensland Screen Sector COVID Safe Work Plan.

Speaker of Queensland Parliament and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt confirmed the production will inject nearly $8 million into the state economy and create more than 110 jobs for local cast and crew, particularly in the Far North Queensland region.

“Far North Queensland is continuing to grow as a destination of choice for screen creatives, and we are seeing the industry move from strength to strength on the back on local skills and talent,” Mr Pitt said.

“It’s why we committed $6.8 million to develop a Far North Queensland Film Studio to further grow opportunities in our region for the development of screen content.”

Screen Queensland CEO Kylie Munnich says, “Dive Club is a 100 per cent Queensland-made production and the third project by The Steve Jaggi Company that Screen Queensland has supported, including This Little Love of Mine, which also filmed in Far North Queensland.

“With its stunning beaches, turquoise waters and unspoilt tropical locations, Port Douglas and its surrounds is the perfect place to film an adventure series like Dive Club, and we wish cast and crew all the best for a safe and happy production run in beautiful Far North Queensland,” said Ms Munnich.

Drew Jarvis, Network 10 Executive Producer – Childrens Television, said: “Network 10 is extremely proud to continue its commitment to entertainment for younger audiences with Dive Club, a daring series that is unlike anything we have produced for this space before. It’s an intriguing adventure created specifically for contemporary teen viewers, and we’re confident they will seek it out across our various platforms.”

DIVE CLUB is written by Georgia Harrison, Rhiannon Bannenberg, Adrian Powers, Caera Bradshaw and Claire Harris. The Producers are Steve Jaggi and Spencer McLaren, with Kelly Son Hing and Kylie Pascoe Co-Producing.

Made by The Steve Jaggi Company, DIVE CLUB is a Netflix and Network 10 co-production, with support from Screen Australia and Screen Queensland.

ENDS


Production Media contact:
Nicola Warman-Flood, Unit Publicist p. +61 423 842 258, nicola@chatter.com.au

ABOUT THE STEVE JAGGI COMPANY
Based in Brisbane, The Steve Jaggi Company (SJc) produces commercial feature film and series content for the global market. Recent titles have been acquired by Netflix, Universal Pictures, Disney Channel and MarVista Entertainment. As the global demand for content continues to increase, the company has developed a unique and sustainable business model unrivalled in the Australian film industry that brings together production, post and distribution into a single vertically integrated production pipeline.

ABOUT THE FILM

According to legend, the waters around Cape Mercy are the resting place for hordes of treasure in rusting shipwrecks. Though Dive Club have only ever found family heirlooms dropped from pleasure cruisers travelling the busy route between Cape Mercy and the mainland.

Once a week, 16-year-olds Maddie, Lauren, Anna and Stevie slip into wetsuits, strap on their tanks and disappear beneath the crystal blue waters. Skilled divers, Dive Club have returned many expensive and sentimental keepsakes resigned to the deep blue sea to their sometimes glamorous, always thankful, owners.

But that was before cyclone Alexei battered Cape Mercy and rendered the town without power, communication, and access to the only road to the mainland. As the town begins a cleanup,

Chief Rose discovers his only daughter Lauren and her small boat missing. After ten days, the loss of Lauren seems inevitable, and Dive Club are struggling to accept the fate of their adventurous leader and loving friend.

This is the scene that awaits Izzie and her father John, an engineer, who arrive as part of the clean-up team. Before the day is over, Izzie will forge a friendship with the remaining members of Dive Club, and together they make a discovery that raises concerning questions about Lauren’s disappearance, spurring an investigation of their own.

DIRECTORS


Rhiannon Bannenberg (Director Block 1 & 4):
Rhiannon Bannenberg is an energetic and passionate filmmaker. Her first film, Ambrosia, was on limited release to sold out theatres across Australia. Filmed on location in the picturesque Illawarra, this Young Adult drama tells the story of unravelling friendships during an outwardly appearing innocent summer and received rave reviews from critics.

Rhiannon directed Rip Tide staring US Disney star Debby Ryan (Jessie, The Suite Life on Deck) which screened at the 2017 Sydney Film Festival and also worked as the Director of Photography on Stephen Sewell’s (The Boys) directorial debut Embedded which screened at the 2016 Sydney Film Festival. Rhiannon worked as the Director of Photography on Steve Jaggi’s Chocolate Oyster which screened at the 2018 Sydney Film Festival.  Alongside her skills as a filmmaker, Rhiannon is an accomplished musician and composer and has released numerous albums of music and completed a Bachelors Degree in music (B.Mus) and Masters Degree in music focused on Film Composition (M.Mus). 

Hayley MacFarlane (Director Block 2): Hayley MacFarlane is an award-winning Australian director who grew up in Cairns. Her first short film Hummingbirds (2012) gained great success both nationally and internationally, and put Hayley on the world map from a young age. Hayley’s follow up short film, Growing Young (2015) saw similar success screening at festivals around the world. Fresh out of film school, Hayley signed with Brisbane production company Two Little Indians where she has directed campaigns and commercials for clients such as Discovery Kids Network, Village Road Show and Tourism QLD. After moving to London in 2014 Hayley began directing reality TV which has led her around the world directing some of the UK’s and Australia’s hottest reality shows. Hayley’s most recent feature Swimming For Gold enjoyed a recent Australian theatrical release through Event and Village Cinemas, and was released internationally through Universal Pictures.

Christine Luby (Director Block 3): An accomplished Assistant Director, Christine has worked on numerous feature films, TV series’ and TV commercials in the US, UK and Australia. Originally from New Hampshire in the US, Christine relocated to Australia in 2010 after living in London for 10 years, and is now based out of Brisbane. Previous credits include The Wolverine, Peter Rabbit and Aquaman, as well as numerous Australian television shows. Christine transitioned from Assistant Director to Director in the feature film This Little Love of Mine which was the first film into production in Queensland during COVID and is gaining international interest.

CAST

Miah Madden: is an Indigenous Australian of Gadigal and Bundjalung heritage. She’s an all-­‐‑rounder, dabbling in various sports, dancing, singing and playing the guitar along with her ever-­‐‑increasing acting schedule. Miah introduced herself to the world at the age of 10 as Young Julie in Wayne Blair’s The Sapphires in 2012 and as core cast member, Athena, in the ABC TV series The Gods of Wheat Street. 2013/2014 saw Miah appear in the feature film The Dark Side, directed by Warwick Thornton, as Naomi and in two series for the ABC, Redfern Now and The Moodys.

In 2016, Miah worked on the animation series Little J And Big Cuz as the voice of Monti, which was renewed for another season in 2018, alongside an all-­‐‑star cast including Deborah Mailman, Shari Sebbens and Miranda Tapsell. In 2017, she played lead, April Tucker, in Kriv Stender’s feature film Australia Day and in 2018 appeared as Jas in Mustangs FC S2. 2019 saw Miah take the screen as Kymara in The Unlisted, which is soon to be released on Netflix, and Kite in Gamers, along with being a presenter for Nickelodeon Australia.

Miah travelled to Queensland in early 2020 to appear as a guest star in the second series of The Bureau of Magical Things prior to COVID lockdown, for the role of Tayla.  She now finds herself back in Queensland filming the TV series Dive Club on the Great Barrier Reef.

Georgia-May Davis: is an actress and presenter hailing from Sydney, Australia. She was born in 1995 to renowned Australian actress, Alyssa-Jane Cook (E-street, A country practice, Above the Law), in which she spent her young life growing up on sets. During high school, Georgia-May was offered a role on the Channel 10 1980’s revamp of “Young Talent Time”, competing against over 10,000 young performers over a gruelling 5 day back-to-back audition period. When the show came to an end she toured around Australia completing the “Young Talent Time Live Tour” over 5 months, in which singing, dancing and acting were apart of her day to day.

As soon as she finished she was offered a role on Disney Channel Australia as a host and presenter, in which she presented at events such as the Australian Open, Disney Fan Fest and Disney Style events. During her time with Disney Channel AU, Georgia-May also hosted the segments How to style, Guide to…, Disney XD Gamefest Nerf Challenge, How to Style. As well as hosting multiple red carpet events for blockbuster films in which she interviewed Cate Blanchett, Rihanna, Brooklyn Decker and Jon Favreau just to name a few. She has been a part of numerous short films and pilots, spending much of her time in Los Angeles.

In 2017 Georgia-May had the opportunity to walk the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia.  In 2018, Georgia-May starred in the Jovan Dedes-Vallas short film #SHOOTME which focus attention on cyber security. 2020 will see Georgia-May star in the lead and series regular role of ‘Lauren’ in the TV Series Dive Club.

Sana’a Shaik: Born in South Africa, Sana’a is of Middle Eastern, Indian, Egyptian and Scottish descent. Sana’a moved to Perth, Western Australia when she was 16 years old where she graduated from Curtin University majoring in Economics with a minor in Performing Arts. During her time at university a passion and ambition was cultivated. She has studied the Meissner technique and worked closely with various renowned Sydney based acting coaches, discovering a love for genre roles and sinking her teeth into meaty dramas as well.

Sana’a’s theatrical debut was in 2016 at the Downstairs Belvoir Theatre in Sydney playing a lead role in Beirut Adrenaline, since then her television credits include Jack Irish (with Guy Pearce), Chosen, Channel Seven’s comedy Fam Time and can also be seen with Sam Tram- mell in the Australian produced US TV thriller series Reckoning.

In film, Sana’a plays the lead role of Xanthe in the newly released sci-fi climate change feature film 2067 with Kodi Smit-McPhee which has international distribution. Most recently Sana’a had the adventure of a lifetime travelling across the seven continents of the globe for 6 months in the lead role of US feature film Nomad, with the film currently in post production.  Sana’a is thrilled to be part of her next adventure which is a lead role in the TV series Dive Club.

Aubri Ibrag: Born in Russian, Aubri moved and grew up in Melbourne AUS. As a child Aubri was interested in plays, musicals and school productions, but it was her keen interest in sports that she focused on, which included tennis and dancing and specifically competitive running. Where she would train several hours a day.

In school, Aubri was very interested in Shakespeare and unsurprisingly gravitated to Drama and Literature. She began her interest in the entertainment Industry as a model. But it was her passion for beauty and fashion that led her to vlogging which is where she amassed fan base and public interest. Her warm, engaging the endearing approach to her content, struck a cord with viewers. In 2018 Aubri began focusing her attention to acting and right away garnered interest from the industry both here and abroad due to her bold, interesting and unconventional acting choices.  Aubri’s debut to the industry came in 2020, when she landed the lead and series regular role of ‘Anna’ in the TV series Dive Club.

Mercy Cornwall: is an incredibly talented actor and musician who is based in Perth, Western Australia.

Mercy has just finished shooting a lead role as Zoe in US Web Series What We See; had a recent role on the Australian tv series The Heights; and lead role in the short film The Queen’s Gambit.

Mercy has a Bachelor of Arts degree (Law & History) from the University of WA. Musically, Mercy is also a songwriter who plays guitar and piano, and she has the voice of angel.  Mercy’s skills include Singing, Guitar, Piano, Songwriting, Modelling, Dancing, Netball, Swimming and Diving. Accents include Australian (natural), Standard American, British and Southern American.

2020 will see Mercy Cornwall star in the lead and series regular role of ‘Izzie’ in the TV series Dive Club.