A New Gold Mountain spin-off?

Could a spin-off from New Gold Mountain be on the cards for SBS?

Creatives behind the SBS period drama are in early discussions for more around the lead character Leung Wei Shing played by actor Yoson An.

Director Corrie Chen recently told TV Tonight the series was self contained but there are some discussions underway.

“In New Gold Mountain we wanted to look at the history of how much the Chinese contributed to the makeup of modern Australia, which has frequently been erased from the nation’s identity. So I feel like this series has started that conversation,” she said.

“But we’re looking at what other stories can continue that sentiment. Shing is loosely inspired by a real man called Fook Shing, who went from the goldfields to become a Victorian detective in the police force. That’s real life. So we’re in very, very early discussions.”

According to La Trobe University, Fook Shing served as Melbourne’s Chinese detective for 20 years. From his home, just off Little Bourke Street, he policed the Chinese community and visitors to the area. Among his colleagues he was regarded as a “trustworthy member of the service” who could “always be relied upon” and impressed with his “intimate knowledge of the Chinese criminal class” in Melbourne.

Fook Shing could also regularly be found on assignment in country Victoria. There he was given “every facility” by local authorities, who (in the words of one goldfields constable) found him “in a position to give all necessary information and point out any further steps” for tracing Chinese criminals.

SBS is yet to announce its 2022 Upfronts, but such a project would be unlikely for next year without development.