[Release by PFTC]
Queensland’s spectacular Gold Coast will take centre stage in the much-anticipated Australian drama series The Strip when it premieres on Channel Nine at 8:30pm on Thursday night (4 September).
Arts Minister Rod Welford said The Strip, shot on location on the Gold Coast, would boost Queensland’s reputation as a base for the production of quality film and television.
"The Gold Coast is regularly used as a production base for international film and television production because of its natural beauty and proximity to the world-class production infrastructure at Warner Roadshow Studios," Mr Welford said.
"It’s a thriving metropolis which attracts millions of tourists from around the world every year, but most importantly the Gold Coast is a national icon – and its high-time Australian television audiences saw quality local content based within this unique setting.
"Our Government’s Pacific Film and Television Commission (PFTC) provided incentives funding to New Wave Entertainment for the production of the gritty 13-part crime series, which has delivered employment and economic benefits to our local industry and the state."
From the producers of Wildside and East West 101, The Strip centres on a Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) as they navigate the dark world of organised crime amid the glitzy, sun-drenched Gold Coast.
Veteran actor Frankie J. Holden (Underbelly, Clubland) stars as CIB boss and Gold Coast Titans fan Inspector Max Nelson. He leads a stellar Australian cast featuring Aaron Jeffery (McLeod’s Daughters), Bob Morley (Home and Away), Simone McAulley (Blue Heelers) and introducing Vanessa Gray.
The production office was based at Warner Roadshow Studios and over the past four months the series has filmed on location around Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise and the Broadwater.
Mr Welford said Queensland had a proven track record for the production of high-quality and internationally successful television drama.
"Since 2006, we’ve hosted Nine’s rating hit Sea Patrol, US series’ The Starter Wife and Monarch Cove and award-winning children’s series’ Mortified and H2O: Just Add Water," he said.
"Sea Patrol and H2O will both return to the Sunshine State this year for production of their third series, and I sincerely hope The Strip can follow their lead."