Netflix’s Remarkable NZ Original

An eight-part drama series named after its Queenstown location is the first ANZ-commissioned Netflix series to be set and shot here. 

Filming already is under way of Queenstown, with Rufus Sewell (The Diplomat), Frances O’Connor (Wednesday), Alycia Debnam-Carey (Apple Cider Vinegar) and Te Kohe Tuhaka (Chief of War) heading the cast.

Reads the logline: “Beneath the glamour of Queenstown’s luxury ski scene, a privileged family and the people who work for them collide over power, loyalty and desire.”

Silent Firework/ Runaway Unicorn is the production company, Chloe Stearns the creator/writer/executive producer, and Glendyn Ivin (The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, Penguin Bloom) the lead director.

“Queenstown draws an exceptional team of talent and creatives, surrounded by this breathtaking environment,”Amanda Duthie, Netflix ANZ Content Director, says.

“Shooting our first locally-commissioned series here in New Zealand is a huge moment for us.

“This is a bold, propulsive story of power, class and family set against the opulent world of a luxury ski town, and we can’t wait for our members to fall in love with this series the way we have.

“Along with a terrific screen sector, and with support from the New Zealand Film Commission and the Screen Production Rebate, we’re delighted that this production is creating opportunities for local crew, businesses and emerging talent while bringing this story to life.”

“Having a production like this film in Queenstown over six months is a significant boost for our screen workforce,” Annie Murray, New Zealand Film Commission Chief Executive, says.

“Around 120 local crew are engaged across the production, alongside a clear commitment to talent development through internships and a mid-career attachment.

“Partnering with a global platform like Netflix supports jobs in the short term and builds capability, experience and opportunity that will endure well beyond this production.”

Executive producers Jodi Matterson & Libbie Doherty say their vision for creating The Silent Firework Group and Runaway Unicorn was to champion bold, distinctive storytelling.

“In Chloe Stearns, we’ve found an extraordinary new voice, and we’re thrilled to have our partner, Glendyn Ivin, at the helm alongside an exceptional cast.”

Although Queenstown is Netflix’s first ANZ commission, another series shot here, East of Eden, soon will stream on the service.

It follows last month’s launch of Netflix’s partnership with NZ On Air on Kahurangi Toi Ātea, an NZQA-recognised screen workforce training programme created to build a pipeline of industry-ready crew.