Production starts in Adelaide on Netflix series Gymnastics Academy
Production has begun in Adelaide for Netflix’s Gymastics Academy: A Second Chance.
The announcement:
Written, produced and created by South Australian Clay Glen of Glen Pictures, who also directs, with a series adaptation by Clay Glen and Vanessa Shapiro, and co-produced by South Australian producer Sally Clarke, the 10-episode series is the first Netflix series commission from a South Australian production company. Nicely Entertainment is the worldwide distributor with Vanessa Shapiro attached as Executive Producer. The production has received major production funding from the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC).
Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni said “I congratulate Glen Pictures on becoming the first South Australian production company to secure a commission from Netflix. This exciting new South Australian made series is good news for screen sector jobs, employing more than 100 South Australians in a near 100% local cast and crew, and is expected to generate more than $3.7 million worth of international investment into South Australian screen businesses.”
Set in the world of teenage competitive gymnastics, Gymnastics Academy: A Second Chance! is a TV spin-off from Glen’s global hit feature films A Second Chance (2011) and A Second Chance: Rivals! (2019), which have both found a strong global audience after being acquired by Netflix and extends the story with new additions to the much-loved characters in Australia’s Elite Gymnastics Program.
Clay Glen said “I’m thrilled to partner up with Netflix, SAFC, Vanessa Shapiro (Nicely Entertainment, USA) and Sally Clarke to bring ‘Gymnastics Academy: A Second Chance’ based on the feature films to life as a series. I’ve always been very passionate about filming, casting and crewing out of SA and this series continues that commitment. South Australia with its amazingly diverse and easily accessible locations is the best place to film in Australia!”
Vanessa Shapiro, CEO, Nicely Entertainment and Executive Producer said “It’s been a real pleasure and privilege to develop this new Series with Clay Glen based on his A Second Chance amazing IP and to work with the Netflix’s team to bring it to life”.
SAFC CEO Kate Croser said “The SAFC is delighted to be providing major production funding for this exciting new South Australian made Netflix series, which will not only provide significant employment and skilling opportunities for local crew and cast but will grow South Australia’s pool of ‘greenlighters’ by providing the first television credits for local director, writer and producer Clay Glen as well as key creative credits for co-writer Kristian Leadbeater, and directors Kelly Schilling and Stephen de Villiers. The SAFC welcomes Netflix’s ongoing engagement with South Australian creatives and production companies.”
Gymnastics Academy: A Second Chance! is the latest in a string of Netflix’s local investments catering to families and young adults – including the Heartbreak High reboot, Surviving Summer, MaveriX (copro with ABC), and Dive Club (co-pro with Network 10).
Source: ABC G Film media release
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topics
Clay Glen
David Pisoni
Glen Pictures
Kate Croser
Nicely Entertainment
Sally Clarke
Vanessa Shapiro
