By Anthony Frajman
The series tracks the journey of DJ Boori Monty Pryor, navigating the 1970s music scene of Melbourne, croc-infested waters, and violent disco floors – venturing from Townsville to Perth and Melbourne.
The ABC production originated from producer Kelly West, and is based on the true story of Pryor, who grew up in Townsville.
The web series was produced through the new Screen Australia initiative Long Story Short, focusing on web series and short form content.
Pryor was in the audience for the screening.
The web series was produced by Princess Pictures, with help from Screen Victoria, Screen Australia and Screen Queensland.
Originally conceived as 8 five-minute episodes, but after West and her crew spent more time with Pryor, they realised they had more material, and expanded the series into four 15-minute episodes – allowing more of Pryor’s stories to be told.
Changing the length allowed the series to explore two different periods – Pryor’s early childhood, and his adolescence as a DJ in Melbourne.
Whilst being able to share more stories, unfortunately the production briefly ran out of funding to support the extra content.
Pryor, who now spends his time going to schools and talking to students around the country, said “watching the series was amazing, seeing it here with everyone around.”
Wrong Kind of Black stars Clarence John Ryan, Aaron L. McGrath, Lisa Flanagan and the late Tommy Lewis, directed by Catriona McKenzie and will premiere Sunday August 5 on ABC iview, and on ABC TV at 9:30pm on the same day.
Watched the show on 7 August. thought at first it as a comedy, until drifted into more serious stuff, which was upsetting and made me angry at the way he, and all indigenous people were treated in the 50s – 70s. I remember talking to the late Tom Lewis many years ago and was very impressed. I enjoyed the film so much it left me in tears.