Queensland Government backing second season of acclaimed drama series Harrow

Acclaimed television drama Harrow is set to return to Australian TV screens in 2019, with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announcing the Queensland Government’s support of the international series and the show’s Queensland producer, Hoodlum Entertainment.

While visiting Los Angeles as part of her US trade mission, the Premier today met with Hoodlum founder and chief executive Tracey Robertson, congratulating the Emmy and BAFTA-winning production company on the success of the show’s critically-lauded first season.

“Hoodlum was the first production company in Queensland to secure a prestigious first-look deal with ABC Studios International for Harrow and we are proud of their international achievements, showcasing our state’s talent, as well as the beautiful city of Brisbane,” the Premier said.

“My Government is delighted to once again partner with Disney-owned ABC Studios International and broadcaster ABC Australia on the second series, supporting Hoodlum via our Production Attraction Fund.

“Our investment in ten new episodes of Harrow will deliver further jobs, training and upskilling opportunities for Queenslanders, as well as broader economic benefits for the entire state.

“And serving as the backdrop for the show, Brisbane had an exceptional chemistry with Harrow star Ioan Gruffud during its first outing and the city will certainly welcome Ioan back with open arms when filming starts again in November.”

Harrow season two is expected to spend more than $17.3 million on Queensland jobs, goods and services and employ 273 crew, 75 cast and 800 extras across production, post-production and visual effects.

Disney Media Distribution is currently licensing international rights for Harrow with recent sales including to UKTV.

Hoodlum CEO Tracy Robertson said she was thrilled to create new episodes for Harrow’s ever-growing audience across the world.

“This has been made possible with the ongoing support of Screen Queensland, our broadcast partners ABCSI and ABC and our incredibly talented lead, Ioan Gruffudd,” Ms Robertson said.  

“We look forward to showcasing even more of our home state of Queensland on screen in this second season.”

Managing Director, ABC Studios International Keli Lee said ABC Studios International was grateful for the support received from Screen Queensland and the government of Queensland.

“We have had a fantastic experience shooting in Brisbane and can’t wait to be back there for season two of Harrow,” Ms Lee said.

ABC’s Head of Drama, Comedy and Indigenous Sally Riley said audiences would eagerly welcome the return of Harrow, after the first season premiered on ABC1 in March.

“The beautiful city of Brisbane shone as the perfect backdrop for Harrow, and we look forward to working in this fabulous city again for season two,” Ms Riley said.

“This is another great example of the ABC investing in local content making and supporting the Australian film and television industry.”

The Premier said Harrow was one of several recent successes for Hoodlum Entertainment.

“Hoodlum is currently filming Tidelands in South East Queensland, which is also being supported by my Government and is the first fully funded drama series for Netflix to be produced in Australia,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Netflix has also chosen to film the new Chris Lilley 10-part television comedy series in Queensland and I look forward to meeting with Netflix during this trade mission, with a view to building on our partnership and discussing further production opportunities for our state.

“Securing productions with such international appeal is further proof my Government’s $50 million Production Attraction Strategy is hitting the mark and providing real economic benefits for Queensland.”

Harrow season two will air on ABC1 in Australia in 2019.

Media Contact: Geoff Breusch 0417 272 875