Screen Queensland confirms new Netflix feature coming to Aussie Hollywood

True Spirit, the much-anticipated screen adaptation of Jessica Watson’s record-breaking solo circumnavigation of the world, will be produced by Netflix in Queensland with backing from the Queensland Government via Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy.

Estimated to return more than $24 million to the state economy and create more than 300 jobs for Queensland cast, crew and extras, the movie will be filmed at Village Roadshow Studios on the Gold Coast and various locations throughout South East Queensland and Sydney.

Starring Australian Teagan Croft (pictured) (Titans, The Osiris Child) as Jessica Watson, the film will follow the adventurer’s amazing 210-day journey, setting sail from Sydney on 18 October 2009 and charting the exhilaration and peril of Watson’s historic sailing odyssey.

Screen Queensland CEO Kylie Munnich said that Jessica’s story, retold for screen, will appeal widely, with classic themes of bravery and determination as her character battles the elements to make history and prove the sceptics wrong.

“Jessica’s story is one of courage, skill and resilience, against all odds and at times grave danger, and for that reason I believe True Spirit will strike a chord with audiences across Australia and the world.

“After a highly successful shoot on Escape from Spiderhead, Screen Queensland is delighted to welcome Netflix back to Queensland for this epic movie about a well-loved Australian hero.”

On the Gold Coast currently, Academy Award-winner Ron Howard is directing Thirteen Lives — about the Thai soccer team cave rescue — and Amazon Original The Wilds (Season 2) is filming at Village Roadshow Studios, while later this year Matchbox Pictures’ Irreverent will film in Far North Queensland.

Meanwhile, reality TV juggernaut Australian Survivor (Season 6) is in production in Cloncurry, outback Queensland, Universal Studios Group’s Joe Exotic has moved on to the lot at Screen Queensland Studios in Brisbane, and George Clooney and Julia Roberts will star in Ticket To Paradise filming in The Whitsundays, the Gold Coast and Brisbane.