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WOMEN LEADING THE WAY

Film & TV  17 Oct 2019

Women are leading the way on both sides of the camera on Halifax: Retribution, a major new television series giving five women a unique opportunity to boost their screen careers.

Minister for Women Gabrielle Williams and Film Victoria CEO Caroline Pitcher this week visited the Melbourne set of the eight-part Australian crime series that sees Rebecca Gibney reprise her popular role as forensic psychiatrist Jane Halifax.

“We’re backing the next generation of women screen practitioners and delivering on our commitment to see more women working and leading in the screen industry,” said Minister Williams.

Over nine months of production Halifax: Retribution will generate $13 million for the Victorian economy and create an estimated 600 jobs for local industry, including five placement opportunities that will upskill the next generation of female screen practitioners.

“We know that boosting women’s participation in leadership and key industry roles has great flow on effects in inspiring other women – because you can’t be what you can’t see,” said Minister Williams.

With support through Film Victoria’s Key Talent Placements program, three emerging directors, a script coordinator and a camera operator will gain invaluable experience working alongside the experienced creatives and crew on the set as they prepare to take the next steps in their professional careers.

Director Placement Sarah Hatherley shared some of the skills and experience she gained over her five-week placement alongside Director Mark Joffe with the Minister.

“Shooting television is unlike short films, unlike ads, unlike features, it’s a different role for the director. And you get to see how the whole engine of the series works. It was a great opportunity,” said Sarah.

Like the original series, which ran for six seasons on Nine from 1994, Halifax: Retribution is set in Melbourne.  It is produced by Louisa Kors and creator, Roger Simpson.

The global screen industry is growing rapidly and Halifax: Retribution is one of a number of major productions to shoot in Victoria this year, building on Melbourne’s reputation as Australia’s home of high-end television.

Most recently Docklands Studios Melbourne hosted Season Four of cult US TV series Preacher. Next to film at the Studios will be the 10-part Paramount TV production Shantaram, based on the bestselling Australian novel, and the Victorian Netflix Originals’ production Clickbait.

Halifax: Retribution will air on Nine in 2020. Film Victoria supported the production through our Production Incentive Attraction Fund.