Image: Anna Torv as Tig Pollard in Dustfall, courtesy ABC
Production is underway on the Gold Coast on the new ABC tropic noir series Dustfall, featuring Queenslanders Anna Torv (The Newsreader, Territory) and director Emma Freeman (Family Next Door, The Newsreader).
Supported by Screen Queensland with investment from Screen Australia, the tense and atmospheric crime drama produced by Soapbox Productions and Moonriver follows Tig (Anna Torv), a detective whose deep sense of justice is challenged by a world where victims are doubted, predators hide in plain sight and the legal system too often falls short.
Minister for the Arts John Paul-Langbroek said that Dustfall highlights the incredible homegrown talent returning to Queensland to make local productions with global appeal.
“Through Screen Queensland, the Crisafulli Government is committed to creating opportunities for our state’s screen practitioners to do their best work here at home.
“With a steady pipeline of projects secured through our competitive incentives, Queensland has built up a highly skilled crew base ready to realise ambitious projects like Dustfall,” Minister Langbroek said.
“During production on the Gold Coast, Dustfall will support 70 local employment opportunities, utilise post-production services and small businesses, and generate more than $10 million for the state’s economy.”
Jacqui Feeney, Screen Queensland CEO said that Dustfall is supported through both the Production Attraction Strategy and Post, Digital and Visual Effects (PDV) incentives, and is part of a strong line-up of acclaimed ABC series made in Queensland.
“We are proud to continue partnering with the ABC on Queensland-made dramas for local and international audiences, with Dustfall joining commissions for ground-breaking dramas like Total Control and the Mystery Road films, as well as more recent series like Troppo, In Limbo and of course, Bluey,” Ms Feeney said.
Soapbox Pictures Producer Deb Balderstone (Ticket to Paradise) said, “We’re incredibly proud of the creative team we’ve been able to assemble to bring this powerful and emotionally charged drama to the screen. It’s exciting to be able to film this in Queensland as the locations and landscape it provides is an incredible attribute to the show”.
Moonriver Executive Producer Xavier Marchand (Nautilus) said, “Daisy, Deb and I were immediately drawn to the novel’s themes and potential and when we took it to Anna, Emma and our lead writer Dianne Taylor, they brought great depth and insight to the series. We are extremely grateful to be filming in and around the Gold Coast with incredible support from Screen Queensland.”
Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said, “The world-class team behind Dustfall, including producer Deb Balderstone, director Emma Freeman and acclaimed actor Anna Torv, have created an incisive crime series that explores the complexities of gendered-based violence. Thought-provoking and deeply nuanced, this prestige crime drama shines a light on a timely and important conversation in Australia and around the world”.
ABC Head of Scripted, Rachel Okine said, “We are delighted to bring this remarkable series to our ABC audience. In the trusted hands of this powerhouse creative team, Dustfall looks set to be the watercooler drama of 2026”.
Dustfall will air on ABC TV and ABC iview in 2026.
Production credit: Commissioned by the ABC in association with the BBC. A Soapbox Pictures and Moonriver Production. Major Production Investment from the ABC and Screen Australia. Financed with support from the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy. Produced by Deb Balderstone. Executive Producers: Deb Balderstone, Xavier Marchand, Daisy Gilbert, Emma Freeman, Anna Torv. ABC Executive Producers: Brett Sleigh and Rachel Okine. International Sales by Federation.
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Media contact
Amanda Lawson
Head of Marketing and Communications
media@screenqld.com.au | 07 3248 0500
