Production of the iconic reality television franchise, Australian Survivor, has been lured to Australia with $3.9 million in funding from the Federal Government’s Location Incentive Program – and Cloncurry Shire Council couldn’t be happier.
Previously filmed in Samoa, and most recently in Fiji, Australian Survivor will take advantage of Australia’s effective management of the COVID-19 pandemic and film its sixth season at Cloncurry in north-west Queensland.
Filming is set to begin in coming months.
“Cloncurry Shire Council is extremely excited to welcome ‘Survivor’ to our region,” a Council spokesperson said.
“Our organisation worked hard in initial stages of location scouting, and we’ll continue to support the production to the end.
“This is not the first filming project to come to our area and we are actively welcoming future productions to our film friendly Shire.”
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Paul Fletcher said the production was expected to inject more than $29 million into regional Australia.
“Australian Survivor was one of the many world–renowned productions jeopardised by the COVID-19 pandemic, which is why we are pleased to provide $3.9 million to get the series back on our screens in 2021,” Minister Fletcher said.
“Local production of the show’s sixth season will support businesses in regional Queensland and create 150 employment opportunities for local crew, providing a major boost to the Australian economy.”
Australian Survivor is produced by Endemol Shine Australia and will feature across the platforms of Network Ten, including 10 Play, later this year.
Chief Content Officer and EVP of ViacomCBS Australia & New Zealand, Beverley McGarvey said Cloncurry had a lot to offer.
“Rich in history, the town with a heart of gold has a lot to offer and we are thrilled we will be able to showcase Cloncurry and all its natural beauty,” she said.
“With thanks to the Australian Government’s Location Incentive Program, we look forward to working with the local community to bring Australian Survivor to life.”
The production will work with training institutions, including the Australian Film, Television and Radio School to provide up and coming screen talent with mentorships and the opportunity to build expertise in television production.
Other productions funded under the Location Incentive which are currently in production include Marvel Studios’ Thor: Love and Thunder, MGM’s Thirteen Lives and the feature film Blacklight.
The Location Incentive is available for “footloose productions,” defined as those that would not be expected to film in Australia in the absence of funding support.
For more information on the Location Incentive Program please visit: www.arts.gov.au/what-we-do/screen/australian-screen-production-incentive.
