When the critically acclaimed comedy Deadloch returned for a second season, the production turned to Screen Queensland Studios, Brisbane to bring the series’ distinctly Australian blend of crime noir and coastal gothic to life – without the crocodiles.
For season two, Guesswork Television and OK Great Productions chose Brisbane for its studio facilities and proximity to waterways that could safely double for the Northern Territory, all underpinned by Screen Queensland’s competitive Production Attraction Strategy.
With additional support through the agency’s Post, Digital and Visual Effects (PDV) Incentive, Brisbane’s Alt.VFX also delivered post-production work.
Based at Screen Queensland Studios, Brisbane, the shoot moved between stage builds for large-scale interiors and nearby locations that served as the swamps and mangroves of the fictional Top End town of Barra Creek – giving the crew the flexibility it needed to achieve Deadloch’s distinctive tone. For the studios team, this provided an opportunity to demonstrate how a controlled studio environment – combined with skilled local crew – can support technically complex shoots and water-based sequences.
Since opening in 2019, Screen Queensland Studios, Brisbane has become a key part of the state’s screen ecosystem. Located close to the Olympic city’s centre and just 12 minutes from Brisbane International Airport – with direct flights from the US – the air-conditioned facility offers:
- 2 sound stages – 32,000sq ft (3,000 sq metres)
- 3 workshops and 12,000 sq ft (1,100 sq metres) of production offices
- Total lettable area 176,065 sq ft (16,357 sq metres)
Screen Queensland Studios, Brisbane forms part of Queensland’s wider studio network – the largest in Australia – stretching from the Gold Coast to Cairns in the Far North of the state. With highly experienced crews and a wide range of accessible locations, Queensland continues to attract ambitious screen projects seeking both scale and creative flexibility.
The production adds to the growing slate of Screen Queensland supported projects filmed at the studios, following a run of diverse international and local titles including Allen, FING!, Beast of War and Boy Swallows Universe.
“Screen Queensland Studios proved to be a valuable asset for Deadloch season two. The support offered by Screen Queensland and the wonderful staff at the studios gave us comfort in the production, knowing we had an organisation invested in the process and the result. We would gladly return for future productions in Queensland.”
Ross Allsop, Line Producer on Deadloch S2
The hit series from creators Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan blends sharp satire with a twist-filled murder mystery, led by dysfunctional detective duo Dulcie Collins (Kate Box) and Eddie Redcliffe (Madeleine Sami). Joined by Nina Oyama, Alicia Gardiner and new cast member Luke Hemsworth, season two sees the team swap the cold Tasmania for the stifling tropical heat of the Northern Territory to investigate the death of Eddie’s former police partner, Bushy.
Deadloch Season Two was supported by the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy and Post, Digital and Visual Effects (PDV) Incentive. It is now streaming on Prime Video.
For more information, visit https://screenqueensland.com.au/
