A novel by Mount Isa born author Kylie Asmus has resulted in an opportunity to create a streaming television series to shine a spotlight on the Overlander's Way in North West Queensland.
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Ms Asmus, author of the romantic comedy fiction work 'The Friday Night Debrief', has adapted her 40-chapter novel to a screenplay of the same name, and is now well advanced in securing investment and a producer to bring the project to light.
Ms Asmus admits that part of her original novel is inspired by her upbringing in Mount Isa, including the full reel of "country banter, bogan-built mock chimney stacks, and life amidst spinifex clad ranges."
Ms Asmus said the series will share the story of her main protagonist taking a trip with her friends back to Mount Isa and the adventures along the Overlander's Way, with the characters witnessing the best of Outback Queensland's attractions and iconic events.
"This is a great way of shining a light on community events that have been held annually for years, like the Dirt N Dust Festival," Ms Asmus said.
"There are so many things along the Overlander's Way that people in the city are not aware of. There are so many great opportunities for kids and family holidays, to go to Kronosaurus Korner at Richmond and see the Dinosaur display there or the beautiful scenery of the Outback.
"We want to target Australian tourism to holiday here, but also capture international travellers and adventure backpackers to come and see the real Outback.
"We want to encourage people to come out to the Pentland Races, the Isa Rodeo, the Dirt N Dust and more."
Ms Asmus said there were works in the pipeline to secure a producer and international streaming service.
"We are in talks with two international producers, who have Australian backgrounds, who are interested in receiving more information about the series," she said.
"Within the next six months we will have a producer on board."
Overlander's Way Tourism Group Chairperson and long-time Richmond Mayor, John Wharton, is enthusiastic about the proposed production.
"Kylie's written a fantastic novel which lends itself to the screen," Mr Wharton said.
"The fact that it happens to be based along the Overlander's Way is an incredible opportunity for the region and one we will go to lengths to fully support.
"We have formed a steering committee to help Kylie realise her dream and are currently in the throes of working toward pulling together funding.
"However, Kylie herself has already met with the management team of some big-name Australian producers who have expressed interest in her work, so we are further ahead on our timeline then we anticipated.
"We can see the potential for this project to drive visitation to the area and trigger economic uplift for towns located along the Overlander's Way."
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Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
