News

GG team up with Australia

Panic At Rock Island is a joint venture between GG and Sydney’s Goalpost Pictures and is for Channel 9 in Australia and TV2 in New Zealand.

Panic At Rock Island will star top Kiwi talent Grant Bowler (True Blood, Ugly Betty, Outrageous Fortune), Simone Kessell (Stickmen, Underbelly: A Tale Of Two Cities) and Anna Hutchison (TV2′s Go Girls).

It will also include performances by top New Zealand acts Smashproof and Gin Wigmore.

TVNZ General Manager of Programming Jane Wilson says: “We are thrilled to be bringing viewers this quality production and commend Gibson Group and Goalpost Pictures on this successful partnership.”

NZ On Air Chief Executive Jane Wrightson notes New Zealand and Australia co-productions are relatively rare and praises the producers. “It’s great when our two countries can cooperate to make drama” says Ms Wrightson. “Finding the right story is often hard, but well worth it when different stories can be told in such a cost-effective way.”

Panic At Rock Island is set on an island in the spectacular Sydney Harbour. Under the hot summer sun, a line-up of top acts play for music fans from across the world. All is idyllic – until unimaginable disaster strikes! A deadly virus is discovered on Rock Island. Its symptoms are shocking and death is swift and painful.

The telemovie will be directed by Australian Tony Tilse (Underbelly and Scorched) and will be co-produced by Tilse, Rosemary Blight from Goalpost Pictures and Dave Gibson from Gibson Group.

Arclight Films is handling worldwide distribution and the telemovie is being made with support from Screen Australia, Screen NSW, NZ On Air and Export Finance Insurance Corporation.

The cast will also feature young New Zealand actors Zoe Cramond and Eli Kent.