Willy Wonka’s whimsical wonderland has been recreated inside Village Roadshow Studios on the Gold Coast for a new Netflix competition series that has begun production.
Produced by Eureka Productions (a Fremantle company), The Golden Ticket gives lucky participants the chance to enter Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, but there’s a catch. That means only players who find the coveted Golden Ticket will be able to enter the factory. However, a golden ticket does not guarantee a comfortable ride once the gate opens. Only those who can adapt, strategize and endure unknown situations will survive.
According to the announcement, this high-stakes social experiment will “challenge players not just physically but mentally as they navigate games, tests, and temptations designed to explore their instincts, resilience, and ability to survive in the midst of chaos.”
The series is supported by the Australian Government through location offsets, the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland’s Production Attractions Strategy and local authorities through the City of Gold Coast’s Screen Attractions Program.
Queensland Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek said the production was expected to contribute an estimated $17 million to the local economy and support more than 210 job opportunities.
“What better place to bring Wonka’s bold, imaginative world to life than here in our own sunny Australian production paradise,” he said.
Screen Queensland CEO Jackie Feeney is delighted that Golden Ticket has been added to Netflix’s portfolio of projects in the state this year.
“Golden Tickets can now enjoy some of the magic that recently brought us the successful filming of Film 44’s Mosquito Bowl with Allen at Ludo Studios here,” she said.
“Queensland excels at creating immersive visual worlds that enhance storytelling.
“Repeat business is a testament to the confidence in our state’s screen sector and highlights that Queensland is chosen as a production destination not only because of our incentives, but also because of our renowned staff, first-class facilities, location and lifestyle.”
Eureka co-CEO Chris Culvenor said partnering with Netflix on Golden Ticket was a “dream project.”
“It couldn’t be more fitting to bring this imaginative world to life on the Gold Coast. The region’s incredible talent, creativity and energy make it the perfect place to create such extraordinary work,” he said.
