Sea Cliff Bridge is one of the more recognisable Illawarra landmarks in Return to Paradise. Photo: Eileen Mulligan.
The Illawarra community can take “great pride” when they catch glimpses of the region’s beautiful coastline and landmarks in a BBC production currently airing on ABC iview.
Return to Paradise is a homegrown spinoff of the popular British Death in Paradise, combining the DNA of the original global smash hit murder mystery series with an Aussie flavour.
Set in the idyllic, beachside hamlet of “Dolphin Cove” the show comprises six gripping, twisting and fiendishly clever murder mysteries, the first of which hit iview on Sunday 8 September.
Screen Illawarra helped the show’s producers secure local resources by identifying filming locations, enlisting behind-the-scenes crew members and assisting with finding local extras.
Screen Illawarra member Aaron Lambe, who was an on-set production assistant among other things, said there “seemed to be a sense of optimism and positive vibes from local cast and crew in seeing the series come to fruition.
“Watching episode one, I could recall being there when certain scenes were filmed, and there was a feeling of elation in seeing how they fit into the story and came together in the final product,” he said.
“To have the opportunity to work in this latest spinoff in my local area was thrilling.
“I’ve been an avid viewer of this show since Death in Paradise, the original BBC series that began in 2011. It’s hugely successful with an international appeal and fanbase, and hopefully Return to Paradise can appeal to the existing fans and find new viewers as well. Long may it continue.”
Return to Paradise is produced by BBC Studios Productions Australia with Red Planet Pictures for the ABC in association with the BBC.
One episode will be released per week, showcasing recognisable public locations such as Sea Cliff Bridge, Thirroul Village, Wombarra Bowlo, Stanwell Park Beach Reserve and Coledale Beach.
Screen Illawarra Member Tony Barea drove cast and production crew back and forth from the unit base during local filming.
He said opportunities like this not only had significant potential to boost the local economy and tourism but was a huge boon for the film industry in the Illawarra.
“Growing up in Illawarra, you know of its inherent beauty, but when you work in the film industry you’re also aware of its potential for filming locations. It’s great to see that potential realised; it’s something we can all take great pride in.
“There’s a massive cost involved in shooting in the Sydney basin, but that’s not the only thing that recommends the Illawarra to the industry. It’s rich in natural beauty, but there’s also heavy industry that makes for great film sets. There’s character and history in the suburbs and as a filmmaker, if you need a variety in your locations, it’s a bonus to have them near one another.
“The Illawarra is also close to a regional centre and Sydney. I think people forget how close it actually is; to get to Wollongong’s northern suburbs from Sydney airport is quicker than travelling to parts of Western Sydney.”
Aaron said locals would get a kick out of catching glimpses of the Illawarra – and perhaps even some of the locals – in a series of such “high production value”.
“I highly recommend giving it a watch,” he said.
You can watch Return to Paradise on ABC iview.
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