19 11 2019 - Media release

New drama series New Gold Mountain announced

Peter Cox, Benjamin Law and Yolanda Ramke

SBS and Screen Australia are thrilled to announce the commission of a new four-part Australian drama series for 2020 – New Gold Mountain.

Continuing SBS’s streak of critically acclaimed original dramas, New Gold Mountain, a revisionist Western, will join SBS’s supernatural drama series, Hungry Ghosts, as part of the network’s bold drama offering next year.

This murder mystery, directed by The Hunting’s Ana Kokkinos, and produced by Goalpost Television, is the untold true story of the Australian gold rush from the perspective of Chinese miners who risked everything for a chance at unlikely wealth in a strange land.

SBS Director of Television and Online Content, Marshall Heald, said: “SBS thrives on telling stories that explore complex issues and can have meaningful impact. With permission to be bold, original and genre bending – SBS is a leader in original dramas that inform, entertain and, where possible, shift the dial on attitudes. Our recent success with the AACTA-nominated series The Hunting ignited a national discussion while showcasing fresh, diverse local talent, and we’re excited to do that again with New Gold Mountain. We’re thrilled to be working with Goalpost Television on our upcoming drama offering.”

Screen Australia’s Head of Content, Sally Caplan, said: “New Gold Mountain is set to bring a unique piece of Australian history to our screens, shining a light on the Chinese migrants of the 1850’s whose stories have seldom been told. We’re thrilled to support experienced director Ana Kokkinos, along with the talented team of writers and producers Goalpost Television, on this character-driven thriller that I’m sure will captivate audiences on SBS in 2020.”

Goalpost TV Producer, Kylie du Fresne, said: “Goalpost is thrilled to be partnering with SBS on their first major period series they’ve commissioned. Series creator Peter Cox has vividly brought this world to life. His writing is exceptional. Along with my fellow producers Liam Heyen and Elisa Argenzio, I am also delighted that Peter will be joined on the writing team by Benjamin Law and Yolanda Ramke and the amazing directorial talents of Ana Kokkinos.”

Production on the series commences in 2020 and will be filmed in Victoria. Cast announcements will follow in the coming months.

New Gold Mountain is a Goalpost Television production for SBS. Major production investment from Screen Australia, in association with SBS. all3media international is the global partner on the show.

New Gold Mountain will air on SBS in 2020.

Ana Kokkinos