Stan, Australia’s unrivalled home of original productions, today released first look images for the Stan Original Series, Invisible Boys. From Logie and AACTA award-winning creator/director Nicholas Verso and based on Holden Sheppard’s multi-award winning novel, Invisible Boys is a 10-episode LGBTQIA+ drama series starring Joseph Zada (Total Control), Aydan Calafiore (The Voice 2018), Zach Blampied (New Gold Mountain), Joe Klocek (The Dry), Pia Miranda (the Stan Original Series Windcatcher), and David Lyons (Truth Be Told). Produced by Tania Chambers for Feisty Dame Productions and Nicholas Verso for Asphodel Films, this emotional tale of individuality and sexuality is filming in Perth and Geraldton, Western Australia.
Set against the backdrop of the 2017 same-sex marriage plebiscite, the Stan Original Series Invisible Boys explores the challenges faced by a group of gay teens in the remote coastal town of Geraldton, Western Australia after one of them is outed on social media following an encounter with a married man. As they form a tight-knit friendship, the boys find solace and support in one another, exploring their desires and identities in a world that often renders them invisible.
Stan Chief Content Officer Cailah Scobie said: “As home of some incredible LGBTQIA+ content, Stan is delighted to welcome Invisible Boys to this slate.Filmed in Perth and Geraldton and featuring a remarkable suite of Australian actors, the series weaves together a compelling and rich story of love, sexuality and isolation deep in regional Western Australia. Nicholas Verso has done an incredible job adapting Holden Sheppard’s award-winning novel Invisible Boysfor the screen, bringing his vision, talent and expertise to craft a beautiful production.”
Creator/Director Nicholas Verso said: “We’ve had an absolute blast filming in Geraldton – the literal hottest place in the world. Thank you to the Yamaji people for inviting us into their country, the incredible, tireless crew and the wonderfully talented cast for bringing this story to life so beautifully. It’s been an honour to be the first TV series filmed in Geraldton and capture the experience of contemporary gay life in regional Australia. We can’t wait to share this series with the world.”
Screenwest CEO Rikki Lea Bestall said: “We are thrilled to see a premium drama series based on Western Australian IP produced in Western Australia by a Western Australian production company. The series is the result of a Stan and Screenwest joint development initiative and we are proud to have supported Invisible Boys from adaptation right through to production. The team has assembled a talented WA crew and a fantastic cast to bring this LGBTQIA+ story to life.”
Screen Australia’s Director of Content Grainne Brunsdon said: “This project is a fantastic opportunity for Nicholas and the entire production team to apply their considerable skills and passion to take this ground-breaking and much-loved LGBTQIA+ story from page to screen amongst the stunning Western Australian landscapes. Invisible Boyspromises audiences a bold and contemporary look at love, friendship and identity, and will no doubt speak to Australian audiences.
The Stan Original Series Invisible Boys is created and directed by Logie and AACTA award-winning creator/director Nicholas Verso (Crazy Fun Park, Boys in the Trees) alongside an impressive writing team including Enoch Mailangi, Walkley Award-winning writer Allan Clarke, author Holden Sheppard, and Artistic Director of Griffin Theatre, Declan Greene. Stan Executive Producers areCailah Scobie and Donna Chang. Invisible Boys is a Feisty Dame Production and Asphodel Films production for Stan. Major production investment from Screen Australia in association with Stan. Financed with support from Screenwest, Lotterywest, and the WA Regional Screen Fund. International sales by Banijay Rights. Developed with the assistance of Screen Australia, Screenwest and Lotterywest.