TV drama Goolagong brings the inspiring life of world tennis champion Evonne Goolagong Cawley to the small screen, just in time for the Australian Open.
Produced by Werner Film Productions (Dance Academy, The Newsreader), which is part of BBC Studios, this limited series about Indigenous athlete Evonne Goolagong Cawley stars rising talent Lila McGuire in the titular role with Marton Csokas (Asylum, Equalizer) as Vic Edwards and Felix Mallard (Ginny and Georgia, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist) playing her husband, Roger Cawley.
Esteemed local Indigenous screen leaders on the production include director Wayne Blair (The Sapphires, Top End Wedding), writer Steven McGregor (Mystery Road: Origin, Sweet Country) and co-producer Danielle MacLean (Emily: I Am Kam, True Colours). Joanna Werner from Werner Productions produced the series and it was written and co-created by Megan Simpson Huberman. Werner Film Productions also provided local production services on The Dispatcher.
“From the very beginning, we have engaged in meaningful consultation to ensure the series honours First Nations culture, community and Country as we know this process will only enrich the production. First Nations voices are at the heart of this project, with strong representation across cast and crew.”
Danielle MacLean, Co-producer, Goolagong
Goolagong was filmed across Melbourne and regional Victoria. Dramatic tennis matches from 1970 to 1980 were filmed on court at the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club, where the Australian Open was originally held, Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club and Melbourne Park, along with a purpose-built set of Wimbledon’s Centre Court. Rippon Lea Estate and The Windsor Hotel were used to mirror building interiors in London. Other production locations included Kyneton, Seaford, Seymour, Tallarook and Woodend. Post-production and visual effects were also completed in Victoria.
“Filming in Victoria has allowed us to tap into world-class locations, crew, and post-production talent, and we’re proud to be working with such a passionate and experienced team, led by our brilliant director Wayne Blair.”
Joanna Werner, Producer, Werner Film Productions
Goolagong has received support from the Victorian Government through VicScreen’s Victorian Production Fund and Victorian Screen Rebate. The series is being sold globally by BBC Studios.
To learn more about VicScreen’s leading incentives contact VicScreen’s Head of Incentives, Joe Brinkmann, at [email protected] or visit vicscreen.vic.gov.au
