Funding boost set to put Tassie’s name in lights

‘Tasmania really is home now’: Most watched show of 2023 is back in the state filming for its next season after a funding boost for arts sector.

Actor and artistic director of Archipelago Productions Marta Dusseldorp. Bay of Fires series two is currently being filmed in Tasmania. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The ABCs most watched show in 2023 is back in Tasmania filming its second season, and the creators are thrilled.

“We are absolutely beside ourselves that we are able to come back and do this with the Tasmanian government’s support,” Bay of Fires star, co-creator and Archipelago Productions co-founder Marta Dusseldorp said.

She said that together with Fremantle Australia and with the support of Screen Australia, the ABC and Vic Screens Bay of Fires intends to come back as “big and as bold” as season one.

Actor and artistic director of Archipelago Productions Marta Dusseldorp was in Hobart filming for the second season of Bay of Fires. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“For us Tasmania really is home now and seeing the young skill and talent coming back again and being promoted into bigger roles is really exciting and we hope to build on that capacity,” Dusseldorp said.

She said she was on the West Coast recently and the community welcomed them back.

“They can’t wait to have us back.

“We get to fill up the restaurant, cafes and the wine bars and also show this beautiful region to the world.”

Arts Minister Madeleine Ogilvie announced a funding boost for the arts sector with a new $1 million Island Screen Incentive program aimed at bringing more talent and award-winning productions to Tasmania.

Minister for the Arts Madeleine Ogilvie with actor and artistic director of Archipelago Productions Marta Dusseldorp. Nikki Davis-Jones

Ms Ogilvie said Tasmania was gearing up to go head-to-head with New Zealand in attracting screen productions to our shore.

She said growing the screen production industry has meant more people studying for both in-front and behind camera roles with more than 100 Tasmanian cast and crew on the Bay of Fires team.

Ms Ogilvie said she was prioritising the arts in Tasmania – and was hoping for “big stuff”.

Productions will be able to apply for a grant of 10 per cent of their expenditure on Tasmanian goods and services while in production up to $500000.