Scripted

Mulan and Dead Lucky’s Yoson An stars alongside Vikings’ Alyssa Sutherland, Christopher James Baker from True Detective, acclaimed actor Dan Spielman (The Code), and local breakout talent Mabel Li (The Tailings).

Produced by Goalpost Television for SBS and directed by Corrie Chen (Homecoming Queens, Wentworth), New Gold Mountain tells the untold story of the Australian gold rush from the perspective of Chinese miners who risked everything for a chance at unlikely fortune in a new land. Inspired by real life, the series follows a group of compelling characters brought together by a mysterious murder and takes an unprecedented look into the wild west era of the Australian gold rush. Key scenes for the series are being filmed at Sovereign Hill in Ballarat with filming also taking place around Melbourne and regional Victoria.

SBS Director of Television and Online Content, Marshall Heald, said: “New Gold Mountain is our first foray into period drama, and one of our most ambitious projects yet. This daring and intense series is distinctly SBS, showcasing the complex relationships and tensions between the migrant gold miners of the 1850s within the legacy of the Victorian Goldfields.

“SBS continues to push boundaries with our local slate of dramas, and we’re proud to tell stories otherwise untold and give a voice to diverse communities otherwise unheard. We are thrilled to be creating this bold drama with the team at Goalpost Television and an incredibly talented cast with a wealth of experience.”

Kylie du Fresne, Goalpost Television, said: “When SBS expressed an interest in doing their first period show about the Goldrush, at Goalpost Television we were beyond thrilled; it’s a period of Australian history that was screaming to be told. Who wouldn’t want to do a revisionist western set in the 1850s? The world Peter Cox has created is extraordinary and under Corrie Chen’s skilful and visionary direction, I think this is going to be a series that really stands out in the world.”

Maartje Horchner, EVP Content, all3media International, said: “We are so pleased to be working with Goalpost Television on New Gold Mountain. The show reflects a fascinating time in Australia’s diverse history, illuminating stories of Chinese immigration and the gold rush period with contemporary and timely resonance. The narrative thrust is an intriguing murder mystery, which ensures mainstream appeal. As a result, we are confident the show will be attractive to international audiences.”

New Gold Mountain is created and written by Peter Cox (The Insider’s Guide to Happiness) and produced by Kylie du Fresne (The Invisible Man) and Elisa Argenzio (Lambs of God). Writers include Yolanda Ramke (Director of The Haunting of Bly Manor), Benjamin Law (The Family Law), Greg Waters (Riot), and Pip Karmel (Total Control). The series is executive produced by Amanda Duthie (SBS).

New Gold Mountain is a Goalpost Television production for SBS. Major production investment from Screen Australia, in association with SBS. Financed with support from Film Victoria and Screen NSW. all3media International is the global partner on the show. Goalpost Television has a first look deal with all3media International.

New Gold Mountain will premiere on SBS and SBS On Demand in 2021.