Magical new series begins filming in Queensland

Premier and Minister for the Arts, Annastacia Palaszczuk welcomed the cast and crew of brand new children’s series The Bureau of Magical Things as it begins filming today on the Gold Coast.

“The Bureau of Magical Things, the latest home-grown series by Queensland-based producer Jonathan M. Shiff, will film from July to December on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane.

“The 20-part series, with Queensland Government investment through Screen Queensland, will create more than 200 cast and crew jobs and is expected to inject more than $8.5 million into our economy.”

“The cast is led by Brisbane actress Kimie Tsukakoshi (The Family Law). She is joined by siblings Elizabeth Cullen and Julian Cullen, who grew up in Cairns before moving to the Gold Coast, along with Gold Coast actors Mia Milnes, Rainbow Wedell and Jamie Carter.

“I am thrilled that this production is providing significant opportunities for our young and emerging talent, while also showcasing Queensland’s incredible and diverse locations internationally.

“Jonathan Shiff continues to be a great ambassador for Queensland throughout a successful career based on the Gold Coast.

“His previous productions, Mako: Island of Secrets and H20: Just Add Water franchises, have sold to more than 170 countries, with the first series of Mako Mermaids reaching an estimated 150 million worldwide viewers.

“His productions have helped to launch the careers of Liam Hemsworth and Margot Robbie (The Elephant Princess), while H20 stars Phoebe Tonkin and Claire Holt moved on to US series The Vampire Diaries and its sequel The Originals; their co-star Luke Mitchell to Blindspot and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

The Bureau of Magical Things follows the adventures of Kyra, a regular teenage girl who discovers a secret world of magic all around her and who must unite fairies, elves and humans to save them all.

“It is fantastic to be creating another local high quality children’s series which will showcase the beautiful locations of south east Queensland,” Mr Shiff said.

“Just as importantly, Queensland has an extraordinary pool of talented technical and creative cast and crew. 

“Sunny Queensland brings us the perfect magical backdrop for our fantasy story that millions around the world will enjoy. There simply isn’t another part of Australia that comes close,” he said.

The Bureau of Magical Things is supported with investment from Screen Australia and Screen Queensland. It is presold to Network Ten Australia and ZDF Germany and distributed worldwide by ZDF Enterprises. The series is supported by Gold Coast City Council Film Attraction Program and was developed with support from Film Victoria.

Media contact:  Susan McGrady (Premier's Office) 0488 996 667