‘Deadloch’ Comedy to Shoot in Tas in November

A new pay-TV comedy series Deadloch, written by Australian duo ‘The Kates’ – Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan – is scheduled for filming in Tasmania starting this November.

Their latest creation is described as a feminist noir comedy set against a bucolic backdrop with a rising body count.

The Tasmanian town of Deadloch, a once-sleepy seaside hamlet, is left reeling when a local man turns up dead on the beach. Two female detectives are thrown together to solve the case, uptight local Senior Sergeant Dulcie Collins, and a rough as guts blow-in from Darwin, Senior Investigator Eddie Redcliffe.

“With Australians renowned for their sense of humour and with their proven track record and exceptional writing, we’re delighted to be working with The Kates’ on this wonderful blend of mystery, intrigue and comedy, that will be a fresh, unique series to showcase to our Prime customers in Australia and around the world,” said Erika North, Head of Originals, Asia Pacific, at Amazon Studios.

“Deadloch is a feminist, noir, murder comedy series” said Kate McCartney. She said the opportunity to launch their work to a global audience was a ‘career highlight’ for the pair.

McLennan added: “Deadloch is a move away from straight comedy writing and offered a wonderful opportunity to expand our ideas and creativity. The characters are complex, intriguing and deeply flawed. Naturally, we have had the best time bringing them to life and can’t wait for audiences around the world to get to know them.”

McCartney and McLennan are best known for showrunning, writing, directing and starring in satirical comedies The Katering Show and Get Krack!n, both of which won Australian Writers Guild Awards.

Taking a step back from leading roles in the series, ‘The Kates’ will focus on showrunning and writing, with Kate McCartney also directing. Further cast and production announcements will follow.

The name Deadloch appears to be a riff on the Victorian seaside town of Inverloch. Shooting locations in Tasmania, and whether Deadloch will be a particular Tasmanian town or a composite such as in the ABC comedy series Rosehaven (shot in New Norfolk, Geeveston, Richmond and more), is still not known.

The series is to be produced by Guesswork Television, OK Great Productions and Amazon Studios.