Today we announced a new co-production between Fremantle Australia and Ben Winspear’s Archipelago Productions – Bay of Fires. The 8×60’ crime-thriller will be distributed internationally by Fremantle.
Created and written by Andrew Knight (Jack Irish, Rake, The Water Diviner) and Max Dann (Siam Sunset, Dance Academy, Seachange), Bay of Fires stars Marta Dusseldorp (Janet King, Jack Irish, A Place to Call Home) who is also co-creator and producer of the series. The award-winning creative team will bring to life a series that promises to be as bold and surprising, as it is shocking and dark.
Set in the wilds of Tasmania, Bay of Fires centres around protagonist Stella Heinekken (played by Dusseldorp) whose fall from grace is as spectacular as it is life threatening. Betrayed by her own company and in immediate danger – single mother of two, Stella has no option but to move her young family to the last place anyone would expect – Misery Reef. This tiny community isn’t the kind of place shown on postcards but what it does offer is an abundance of crime, however, there is a reason behind it, which takes some time to work out…
Chris Oliver-Taylor, CEO Asia Pacific, Fremantle and Executive Producer, added: “Fremantle are delighted to partner with the amazing Marta Dusseldorp to bring Bay of Fires to ABC viewers. Marta, Andrew Knight and Max Dann’s vision to tell such a compelling, yet grounded story will no doubt resonate with audiences both domestically and internationally. I am thrilled that Fremantle are part of this world class series.”
Marta Dusseldorp, Co-creator, Producer and starring as Stella Heikkenen said: “The opportunity to collaborate and create an original Australian drama with the extraordinary Andrew Knight and Max Dann has been an amazing journey. Executive Producer Greg Sitch and Producer Yvonne Collins, along with Sally Riley and the entire team at the ABC have been paramount to bringing Bay of Fires into being. My company Archipelago Productions partnering with Chris Oliver-Taylor at Fremantle is a natural fit and with Screen Tasmania, Screen Australia and Film Victoria’s belief and investment we are now preparing for production on the beautifully rugged North West Coast of Tasmania in 2022”
Sally Riley, ABC Head of Drama, Entertainment and Indigenous said: “Marta has long been an ABC favourite on our television screens and so we are delighted to have the opportunity to support her in taking the leap into producing, creating and starring in her own show. With Marta, Andrew and Max as co-creators we know audiences are in for a treat in this thriller and we look forward to bringing this new series to life alongside our production partners.”
Rebecca Dundon, VP Scripted, Fremantle added: “Penned by the brilliant Andrew Knight the script is brimming with tension, deliciously rich and completely surprising. With Marta Dusseldorp on board as both co-creator, producer and actress, and the epic Tasmanian backdrop, Bay of Fires has global appeal….”
Bay of Fires has major production investment from Screen Australia (in association with the ABC and Screen Tasmania) and is financed with support from Film Victoria.
Production will commence in Tasmania in June 2022.
