Boy Swallows Universe to film in Brisbane

Netflix’s adaptation of Trent Dalton’s international best-selling novel Boy Swallows Universe will film in Brisbane from August.

The eight-part series follows working-class Brisbane teenager Eli Bell in a whirlwind story about drug addiction, ex-cons, poverty, violence and the discovery of hope through the power of love.

It will be produced by Sydney-based Brouhaha Entertainment with cast yet to be announced.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said, “Brisbane-based author Trent Dalton captivated the world with his brutal yet magical tale set in 1980s Brisbane among iconic local landmarks such as Boggo Road Gaol and Brisbane City Hall’s clock tower.

“This uniquely Brisbane production will also boost our local screen industry by injecting around $33 million into the Queensland economy and creating approximately 185 jobs for cast and crew, and an estimated 2500 extras.”

Screen Queensland CEO Kylie Munnich said, “Brisbane has earned its reputation as a one-stop-shop for production, including film-friendly locations, experienced local crew, renowned post-production facilities and a fantastic studio facility in Screen Queensland Studios.

“I thank Brouhaha Entertainment, Chapter One, Anonymous Content and Netflix for choosing the ‘river city’ to film Boy Swallows Universe, and look forward to seeing the words of this blockbuster novel come to life on screen featuring some of this city’s quintessential suburban locations.”

Producer Andrew Mason said, “We’re thrilled to be producing this beloved story here in Queensland, with the very best of facilities, locations and world-class crew.”

Author of the book and Executive Producer Trent Dalton (pictured) said using Brisbane locations and local crew, “just makes sense. This adaptation to the screen couldn’t happen anywhere else, and I am proud to be part of this exciting adventure on my home turf.

“Boy Swallows Universe is my very deep and personal love letter to my city of Brisbane. I’m so incredibly honoured to know the Queensland Government and Screen Queensland is helping us mail that letter around the world.”

Que Minh Luu, Director of Content, Netflix ANZ, said, “Brisbane is such a key character in Boy Swallows Universe that Queensland was always the first-choice location for us to bring to life on screen the evocative and uniquely Australian universe that Trent created.”

The series is adapted for screen by writer John Collee (Master and Commander, Happy Feet, Hotel Mumbai). Executive Producers are Troy Lum (The Water Diviner, Saving Mr Banks, Mao’s Last Dancer), Andrew Mason (The Matrix, The Water Diviner), Sophie Gardiner (Howard’s End, Chimerica), Kerry Kohansky-Roberts (Foe, Boy Erased) and Joel Edgerton (The Great Gatsby, Bright, The King). 

Screen Queensland and Netflix Grow Creative have also partnered to create a number of attachment roles on Boy Swallows Universe, providing opportunities for emerging crew to gain on-the-job experience. Application details are available via the Screen Queensland website.

Boy Swallows Universe was secured via Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy, which has drawn interstate and international production into Queensland since 2015.