18 02 2025 - Media release
Screen Australia and Stan Announce New Comedy-Horror Series Gnomes
Gnomes writers Tegan Higginbotham and Paul Verhoeven, and creator/producer Joel Kohn.
Stan and Screen Australia have announced the brand-new Stan Original Series Gnomes, which is slated for production in 2025 in Victoria.
The series is set in a fading country town that finds itself under siege by an army of murderous garden gnomes on the eve of their first Gnome-a-Palooza festival. At the heart of the story are two police officers, Senior Sergeant Arnold Kipps and his ex-partner from the force (and life) Senior Constable Ellie McKay, who has returned to town with the task of shutting down Arnold’s beloved police station. When the town’s gnome population is brought to life by an ancient evil, all hell breaks loose. Arnold and Ellie must team up with a motley crew of locals to try and save their home from a Gnome-apocalypse.
Gnomes has been created by award-winning filmmaker Joel Kohn, who will produce alongside Total Fiction producers John Molloy (Barons, The Gloaming) and Richard Kelly (The Tailings, Jones Family Christmas). The series boasts a stellar creative team, with writers Tegan Higginbotham and Paul Verhoeven penning the scripts.
Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said, “Gnomes is a thrilling example of the kind of bold, genre-defying storytelling that continues to capture global attention. This series not only showcases the dynamic creativity of Australian talent but also highlights how local and international partnerships can elevate Australian productions to new heights. With a unique blend of horror and comedy, and a stellar creative team, Gnomes has all the ingredients to engage audiences worldwide.”
Stan Chief Content Officer Cailah Scobie said, “Gnomes is set to deliver a darkly comedic treat unlike anything we've seen before. Australian audiences adore horror and genre, and this project typifies the kind of audacious and unique productions that we love to show on Stan. We're thrilled to be partnering with such an exceptional creative team, along with Happy Accidents on their first Australian series.”
Co-CEO of Happy Accidents Holly Hines said, “I fell in love with this concept the moment I heard the pitch and the scripts have been just exceptional. Gnomes is a complete gem – wildly imaginative, hilariously offbeat, and unlike anything else in the comedy-drama space. With Paul and Tegan writing, and our wonderful co-producers, we have created a series that truly stands out in the global marketplace. The enthusiasm from our partners is a testament to how universal its appeal truly is, and we can’t wait to introduce this unique adventure to even more audiences.”
VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher said, "Nurturing talented Victorians to bring their bold vision and innovation to the global screen is what we do best, and VicScreen is thrilled to support the Victorian creative force bringing the comedy-horror Gnomes to life."
Gnomes is produced by Total Fiction and Screen Invaders alongside co-producers Happy Accidents (USA) and Network Movie (Germany). Happy Accidents will handle international distribution, German pre-sale via Network Movie. Major production investment from Screen Australia in association with Stan. Produced in association with VicScreen. Post, digital and visual effects supported by Screen Queensland. Developed with assistance of Screen Australia. Stan Executive Producers are Cailah Scobie and Donna Chang.
The Stan Original Series Gnomes will begin production in 2025.
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