Wednesday, 27 November 2024

The Family Next Door

Ryan BATCHELOR (Southern Metropolitan) (10:09): We know that Bayside is a beautiful part of Melbourne and a lot of people want to live there. Soon the beauty is going to be broadcast for all to see on ABC TV thanks to the production of a new adaptation of a novel, The Family Next Door, with support from the state government through VicScreen. The adaptation of that book of the same name is by local author and New York Times bestselling author Sally Hepworth. I had the great privilege of visiting the set a couple of weeks ago. I met with the Victorian director Emma Freeman and some of the actors and saw just how impressive this production is, injecting nearly $10 million into the Victorian economy and creating jobs for more than 275 Victorians in the screen industry.

The production is also, thanks to the involvement of VicScreen, providing two development opportunities for aspiring local screen practitioners. I met with Dannika Horvat and Paige McLeod, who are shadowing some of the lead production staff to gain experience to help them in their future careers. The state Labor government’s screen strategy has so far created 29,000 jobs and generated $1.25 billion in economic activity across Victoria. It is also showcasing a great part of Melbourne, and I am sure a lot of people cannot wait to watch the final product when it hits our screens next year.