Netflix has commenced production on Desert King (working title), the biggest Netflix series ever to be filmed in South Australia, with both production and post-production taking place in the state.

Supported by the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) and 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).

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.

The production has been supported by the SAFC Screen Production Fund, which offers producers up to 10% of South Australian production spend, and the SA Post-Production, Digital and Visual Effects (PDV) Rebate, which offers a 10% rebate on PDV work undertaken in South Australia.

Production is also taking place in the Northern Territory, with support also coming from the Northern Territory Government.

“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.”

Kate Croser, SAFC CEO

“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,” Kate Croser added.

Netflix Director of Content ANZ Que Minh Luu described Desert King as “the ultimate tale of big land, big money and all the high stakes drama that come with it” and applauded the “world class production facilities in South Australia” where it is in production.

“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,” she said. 

Desert King will be released globally on Netflix as part of the streamer’s growing local slate of Australian productions. It follows on from South Australian made and SAFC supported productions Run Rabbit Run starring Sarah Snook, Stateless starring Cate Blanchett, and children’s series Gymnastics Academy: A Second Chance and MaveriX.

Learn more about the benefits of filming in South Australia at safilm.com.au/incentives.