Supported by the Malinauskas Government through the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC), it is expected to significantly contribute to the state's economy through monetary investment and job creation and is expected to employ 240 South Australians across crew and cast.
The six-episode neo-western series is an explosive drama about power, family, land and legacy.
When the world's largest cattle station is left without a clear successor, generational clashes threaten to tear the Lawson family apart. Sensing this once great dynasty is in decline, the outback's most powerful factions – rival cattle barons, desert gangsters, Indigenous elders and billionaire miners – move in for the kill.
Production has now begun in South Australia, supported by the SAFC's Screen Production Fund and SA PDV Rebate, as well as in the Northern Territory, with support also coming from the Northern Territory Government.
Produced by South Australian producer Paul Ranford (Stateless, True History of the Kelly Gang), the series is a joint production between Easy Tiger and Ronde. It was created by Tim Lee (Mystery Road, Bump) and Ben Davies and is being directed by Greg McLean (La Brea, Wolf Creek).
Desert King will be released globally on Netflix as part of Netflix's growing local slate of Australian productions. It follows on from South Australian made thriller Run Rabbit Run starring Sarah Snook, South Australian made drama series Stateless starring Cate Blanchett, and children's series Gymnastics Academy: A Second Chance and MaveriX.
For images of Adelaide Studios.
As put by Andrea Michaels
Desert King is the biggest Netflix series ever to be filmed in South Australia and it sounds like it going to be a thrilling drama that is sure to captivate audiences around the world.
The six-part series is not only being filmed in South Australia, but post-production work will be taking place here too, creating even more jobs for our talented screen sector.
Attracting major international streaming platforms like Netflix to South Australia speaks volumes about the remarkable skill and creativity of our Adelaide Studios.
The Malinauskas Government will continue to invest in and support our world-class screen industry to tell Australian stories to the world.
As put by Netflix Director of Content ANZ, Que Minh Luu
Desert King is the ultimate tale of big land, big money and all the high stakes drama that comes with it.
We're excited to be shooting our next premium Australian series in the Northern Territory for the first time, where this epic family drama is set, and at the world class production facilities in South Australia.
We're working with some of Australia's leading creators and crew to bring to life a version of this country we're proud to show to our members both here at home and around the world.
As put by SAFC CEO Kate Croser
We are delighted to welcome Netflix back to South Australia along with award-winning production companies Easy Tiger and Ronde for Desert King, set to be the largest Netflix series ever made in the state.
This major new series is the latest exciting example of the fruitful screen production alliance that exists between South Australia and Northern Territory, where the SAFC's flexible Adelaide Studios production facilities, coupled with South Australia's world-class crews and PDV providers, provides the perfect base for productions filming at locations across both regions.
The SAFC is proud to support this exciting new series which will utilise a majority South Australian crew comprising post-production services and key creatives, including top South Australian producer Paul Ranford, and which will once again provide a showcase for our state's screen production capability and talent.
