by FilmInk Staff
Prospero Productions, one of Australia’s leading independent documentary production companies, is celebrating a significant milestone with an unprecedented five television series airing over a 3 month period, across some of Australia’s top networks.
In the months of August to October 2024, Prospero Productions can lay claim to having 5 different shows all going to air at the same time in Australia. That’s an incredible 55 hours of television broadcasting within a 3 month period! It’s a record for any WA production company and arguably for any Australian production company. Even in global terms, few production companies can boast such numbers. In addition, across the 5 series over 120 jobs were created in a sector constantly under pressure. This remarkable achievement solidifies Prospero’s status as a powerhouse in Australia’s documentary and television industry.
“It’s an incredible achievement for all of us at Prospero Productions. To have five productions airing over a 3 month period, with more than 120 jobs created and 55 total hours produced – speaks volumes to the hard work and dedication of the teams that make the shows, and is testament to the rich storytelling and unique content that Western Australia has to offer.”
Julia Redwood, Executive Producer and Managing Director, Prospero Productions First to premiere was, Junior Doctors Down Under on SBS on the 1st of August, made with support from Screenwest and Lotterywest. The series has been offering viewers a gripping insight into the lives of young doctors from the UK and Ireland, navigating the challenges of the emergency department in Western Australian hospitals. Twenty jobs were created for the WA factual sector, with 8 hours of television produced.
Secondly a fan-favourite, Outback Opal Hunters returned for its 7th season on the Discovery Channel ANZ, on the 15th of August. The show continues to capture the raw and relentless pursuit of the ‘Queen of Gems’ in the rugged Australian outback. This season, brutal government shutdowns and opal scarcity force miners to work deadly ground, risking it all to revive a dying industry. Thirty four jobs were created for the production, with 20 hours of television produced.
On the 27th of August, Outback Truckers Season 10 made its highly anticipated debut on 7Mate, with support from Screenwest and Lotterywest. With thrilling, high-octane adventures across the country’s most unforgiving terrains, the series has firmly established itself as a staple of Australian television and the fans have been excited for the show to be back. More than 35 jobs were created for this series, with 13 hours of television produced.
The brand new show, Outback Crystal Hunters is set to premiere on 7Mate on 30th of September at 8:30pm, made with support from Screenwest and Lotterywest. This all-new series promises to take audiences on an exhilarating journey into the hidden world of crystal mining, uncovering rare and beautiful treasures buried deep within Australia’s outback. Eight hours of television were produced with 20 jobs created.
Last, but not least, Opal Hunters: Red Dirt Road Trip Season 2 will round out the busy period and impressive lineup – set to air on the Discovery Channel ANZ on 10th of October at 7:30pm. Opal mining rookie, James ‘JC’ Caruana and mentor, veteran miner Rod Manning, hit the road in a brand new season of adventures, high drama and lots of laughs, in their hunt for precious and elusive gems in rugged and remote Australia. Twenty jobs were created in making this show with 6 hours of television produced.
As a WA-based production company, Prospero Productions continues to proudly highlight Australia’s vast landscapes and rugged industries, bringing the spirit of the outback into living rooms worldwide.
Watch Junior Doctors Down Under on SBS at 8:25pm on Thursday nights.
Watch all-new Outback Opal Hunters on Discovery Channel at 7:30pm on Thursday nights.
Watch Outback Truckers Season 10 on 7Mate at 8:30pm on Tuesday nights.
Check out the premiere of Outback Crystal Hunters on Monday 30th of September at 8:30pm.
Watch the Season 2 premiere of Opal Hunters: Red Dirt Road Trip on the Discovery Channel on the 10th of October at 7:30pm.
