“A love letter to Tasmania”: Marta Dusseldorp’s new crime/thriller series set for West Coast

Tasmania’s West Coast will be on full display when a new crime/thriller series described as Fargo meets Schitt’s Creek is filmed at the location next year. ABOUT THE SHOW >>

The wonders of Tasmania’s West Coast will be on show for all to see with a new eight part television series set to be filmed in the region next year.

The series called Bay of Fires has been touted the largest production ever filmed in regional Tasmania.

The series has been created by now Tasmanian based actress Marta Dusseldorp, who will star in the series and produce it with her production company, Archipelago Productions.

“It really is a love letter to Tasmania,” Ms Dusseldorp said.

“Moving here for me gave me the full inspiration to base the show here and to take the world to a place a lot of people haven’t seen.

“I have fallen in love with the place and I know the whole world will with the West Coast.”

Actor Marta Dusseldorp announcing first screen project for her production company, Archipelago Productions, a TV drama called Bay of Fires. Pic: Adam Gibson.

Ms Dusseldorp said it was their sense of humour to base the production on the West Coast, 400 kilometres away from the real Bay of Fires.

The series has been described as Ozark meets Fargo meets Schitt’s Creek.

“It’s about a woman with her two children who end up having to move because they’re in grave danger and she comes across this beautiful community of people who are quite mysterious,” Ms Dusseldorp said.

“As the show unfolds we’ll find out who they are, why they’re there or whether they’ll help her or kill her.”

The State Government is providing $1.5m to the production.

“It’s the most significant screen investment that we’ve made in this state ever, particularly in relation to regional Tasmania,” Arts Minister Elise Archer said.

Ms Archer said the West Coast will see the benefits of that investment.

“It’s going to be significant for job opportunities for Tasmanians, with up to 80 jobs and particularly opportunities for senior roles as well,” Ms Archer said.

“We’re delighted the return on that type of investment will be in the vicinity of 8 million dollars.

“The flow on benefits with a screen production is the world gets to see what we have to offer here in Tasmania.”

Ms Dusseldorp said it would be very different to other Tasmanian productions.

“It’s actually nowhere near Rosehaven, it’s nowhere near the Gloaming or Kettering Incident,” Ms Dusseldorp said.

“We’re not here to repeat, we want to create something unique.”

Originally published as “A love letter to Tasmania”: Marta Dusseldorp’s new crime/thriller series set for West Coast