F.Y.I.

Production begins on Wonka-inspired Netflix reality series ‘The Golden Ticket’ in Queensland

October 30, 2025 10:07

Screen Queensland has confirmed filming is underway for The Golden Ticket, a new Netflix reality competition inspired by Wonka, produced by Eureka Productions at Village Roadshow Studios on the Gold Coast.

The announcement:

Screen Queensland has announced today that production has commenced on the all-new Wonka-inspired competition series, The Golden Ticket.

Produced by Eureka Productions (a Fremantle company) for Netflix, the one-of-a-kind reality competition is filming at the Gold Coast’s Village Roadshow Studios, where an incredible whimsical wonderland is being brought to life by some of Queensland’s finest creatives and crew.

The Golden Ticket will see lucky contestants have the chance to enter Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, but there’s a catch: only players who find a coveted golden ticket will gain entry to the factory. But a golden ticket doesn’t guarantee a sweet ride once the gates open; only those who can adapt, strategise and withstand the unknown will make it through.

Set inside a retro-futuristic dreamscape, this high-stakes social experiment will challenge players not just physically, but mentally as they navigate games, tests and temptations designed to probe their instincts, resilience and ability to thrive in chaos.

Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said that the ambitious series was secured through Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy and would benefit from the state’s highly skilled local screen practitioners and well-equipped production services businesses.

“The Crisafulli Government is pleased to welcome Netflix back to Queensland with The Golden Ticket, a production that will contribute an estimated $17 million to the local economy while supporting more than 210 employment opportunities.

“Where better to realise the bold and imaginative universe of Wonka than here in the sunshine state, Australia’s own production paradise,” the Minister said.

Jacqui Feeney, Screen Queensland CEO, said that The Golden Ticket is one of three projects that Netflix has made in Queensland this year.

“The Golden Ticket will enjoy some of the magic that made Ludo Studio’s Allen and Film 44’s The Mosquito Bowl such successful shoots here recently. Queensland excels at creating immersive visual worlds to enhance storytelling.

“Repeat business is a mark of trust in our state’s screen sector and highlights that it’s not only our incentives that make Queensland a production destination of choice—it’s also our renowned crews, first-class facilities, locations and lifestyle.”

Chris Culvenor, Eureka co-CEO, said “Partnering with Netflix on The Golden Ticket has been a dream project. Bringing this world of imagination to life on the Gold Coast couldn’t be more fitting—the region’s incredible talent, creativity and energy make it the perfect home for such an extraordinary production.”

The series is supported by the Australian Government through the Location Offset, the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy and the Local Government through the City of Gold Coast’s Screen Attraction Program.