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TV series makers secure NT staff

The Territory Government will give $330,000 to help secure filming of the Southern Star television series The Alice at Alice Springs.

Chief Minister Clare Martin said the funding would deliver economic benefits for Central Australia and the Territory far in excess of the $330,000, by placing a national—and potentially international—focus on the Red Centre for one-hour, once a week for 22 weeks on free-to-air television.

Ms Martin said the funding was conditional on at least $330,000 being spent by Southern Star in Central Australia, as much filming possible in Central Australia and construction of a set to occur in the Territory, creation of production jobs for residents and that Alice Springs would be promoted in a positive manner.

She said five Territorians had secured jobs with the show as director of photography, sound recordist, unit manager, locations manager and production co-ordinator and that several training positions for residents would also be created.

AFI award-winning indigenous Territorian Danielle MacLean has been employed a script adviser in Sydney.

Ms Martin said: "Importantly, many more jobs will be created indirectly through construction of sets, catering, car hire and accommodation—another exciting aspect is the potential for locals to be involved on-screen as extras."

Southern Star executive producer John Edwards told the Northern Territory News yesterday the money from the Territory Government ensured the firm would film part of the series at Alice Springs.

"It will enable us to shoot much more in the Territory than we previously thought," he said.

"We are building the main set and that allows us to shoot one week in two in Alice Springs."

Filming is expected to begin next week—on April 26—when the show's stars, Erik Thomson and Caitlin McDougall, arrive.

The pilot episode was one of the most-watched shows on Australian television in 2004, with more than 1.3 million people tuning in.

April 21, 2005
Northern Territory News