Filming is now underway for a new drama series titled True Colours in Central Australia , making it the third television series to be filmed in the Territory within a year and contributing to an expected injection of over $10m into the local economy.
The new premium drama series for SBS Australia follows Indigenous Detective Toni Alma (played by Rarriwuy Hick) who investigates a series of suspicious car accidents in an Aboriginal community which requires her to navigate between two worlds and identify a killer who may be very close to home.
The series developed by the Territory’s own CAAMA Productions and produced by Sydney based Bunya Productions, will be filmed in various scenic Territory locations including Alice Springs and the community of Amoonguna.
The award-winning production team includes Darwin based writers Steven McGregor (and co-director) and Danielle MacLean of Tamarind Tree Productions alongside writer and co-director Erica Glynn who will be returning to her home town of Alice Springs.
The Territory Government has provided total production funding of $390,000 for True Colours, through Screen Territory, which in turn is expected to inject over $2.4 million in to the NT economy.
The Territory Government recognises the importance of our screen sector and is committed to supporting the growth of local practitioners and businesses and showcasing distinct Territory stories to national and international audiences.
The series will air nationally on SBS TV in 2022, with French distributor About Premium Content on board as the international sales and marketing agent.
Quotes from Minister for Mining and Industry, Nicole Manison
“We are strengthening the local screen industry and in turn providing hundreds of jobs for Territorians.
“The Territory economy is expected to get a big boost from these exciting productions - with $5 million expected from MaveriX, $2.8 million from Barrumbi Kids and now $2.4 million from True Colours.
“We recognise the importance of our local screen industry - telling unique Territory stories to the world while supporting a range of Territory businesses and jobs.”
Quotes from Director of Content at SBS, Marshall Heald
“SBS is proud to once again commission an exciting piece of content out of the beautiful Northern Territory. For us, it’s nothing but a joy to bring the Territory into the homes of all Australians.
“Given our unique place in the Australian media landscape, we’re able to bring some of the most powerful stories to life and we can’t wait for True Colours to join a family of incredible SBS dramas.”
Quotes from Co-Creator Warren H Williams
“I would like to thank my ancestors, my people now, my people in the future for watching over us. The inspiration for this story came from my Uncles, my Aunties, my Mums, my family.
“I wish the story we tell will be understood by everyone. It is an important story that is happening right now, in Australia.
“We are filming in the community of Amooguna and I would like to thank the traditional owners from Amoonguna especially Marie, Lynette and Theresa for letting us to come into their community and into their lives.
“I am so proud of the Aboriginal cast in this series, all from the Northern Territory. I am excited to see our series, True Colours, on SBS and screens around the world next year.”
Image: Rarriwuy Hick © Bradley Patrick