Filming has begun on ABC’s docu-drama Next Stop Hollywood, which follows six aspiring Australian actors as they compete for coveted roles during the US TV pilot season.
"We will see them setting up home in Hollywood, struggling in a foreign city, away from family and friends," said producer Michael McMahon. "We see them going to voice coaching and acting lessons, arranging agent meetings and ultimately going to auditions and waiting for the callback. There will be plenty of drama, excitement and heartbreak.”
IF Award-winning documentary filmmaker Gary Doust (Making Venus) will direct Next Stop Hollywood while McMahon, Beth Frey and Cecilia Ritchie of Matchbox Pictures (The Slap) will produce.
Outgoing ABC TV head of arts and entertainment, Amanda Duthie said: “Australian actors are among the biggest stars in the world today, whether it be on the big or small screen. The series shows what it takes to become a star in Hollywood.”
Dozens of Australian stars have made it in Hollywood TV shows in recent years including Toni Colette (The United States of Tara), Guy Pierce, who was recently nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance in Mildred Pierce, Ryan Kwanten (True Blood) and Simon Baker (The Mentalist).
Next Stop Hollywood will air as six 30-minute episodes on ABC1 later this year.