Fireflies: articles


FireFlies ignites into a hot new series

ABC TV today announced it had commissioned a 20-part series of FireFlies in addition to the telemovie currently in production in Sydney.

ABC TV and Southern Star John Edwards have joined forces with AUSTAR to produce the additional one-hour episodes of the rural fire drama series.

FireFlies is the story of a township facing a terrifying summer - and while the volunteers in the Fire Brigade fight fires, the relations amongst its residents continue to smolder. It stars two-time Logie Award winner Libby Tanner (All Saints), Jeremy Sims (Secret Men’s Business, Idiot Box) and John Waters (Young Lions, All the Rivers Run).

ABC TV’s Head of Drama and Narrative Comedy, Robyn Kershaw, is delighted that the full potential of the township of Lost River can now be explored.

"Thanks to the support of Southern Star and AUSTAR, we have been able to extend FireFlies into a drama series with heart and bite that cleverly complements the diverse stories of Australian life we reflect on ABC TV drama,” said Ms Kershaw.

AUSTAR’s Group Director of Corporate Development and Legal Affairs, Deanne Weir, said, “AUSTAR is thrilled to provide support and funding to this quality drama series as part of our ongoing commitment to Australian television content production. FireFlies appeals strongly to AUSTAR, as a regional operator, because its story centres on one of the most pressing issues faced every summer by all Australians, particularly those living in regional areas,” said Ms Weir.

Southern Star Entertainment CEO, Hugh Marks, said he has great belief in the program’s appeal both locally and overseas.

“The strength of the creative team, the stellar cast and the relevance and romanticism of the core concept will make for compelling television, both for Australian and international audiences,” said Mr Marks.

FireFlies is a Southern Star John Edwards production in association with ABC TV and AUSTAR. The telemovie has been produced with the support of the Film Finance Corporation of Australia.

Press Release
July 01, 2003