Cameras are rolling in Western Australia’s South West on Breakers, the first Netflix series to film in the state, a major milestone that underscores Australia’s reputation as a world-class destination for international production. Combining experienced crews, competitive incentives and striking natural locations, the region continues to attract complex global projects seeking scale and authenticity on screen.

Produced by BBC Studios’ Clerkenwell Films (Baby Reindeer, The End of the F***ing World) in partnership with BBC Studios Productions Australia, the eight-part surfing drama is the largest series ever filmed in Western Australia. The production is expected to inject more than $19 million into the local economy while employing over 100 Western Australians across cast and crew, highlighting the depth of local expertise available to visiting productions.

The start of filming follows the practical completion of Perth Film Studios, further strengthening the state’s production infrastructure and expanding Australia’s capacity to support premium international screen content from development through post.

A new international production hits Aussie shores

Starring Antony Starr (The Boys, Banshee, G20) as the enigmatic Brando, Breakers follows two best friends backpacking through Australia who become immersed in a seemingly idyllic surf community led by a charismatic yet mysterious figure. Set against Western Australia’s expansive coastline, the series leverages the country’s diverse landscapes and established surf culture to create an authentic and visually distinctive world.

The cast has recently expanded with Emmy-nominated Canadian actor D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai (Reservation Dogs), alongside Australian actors Annabel Wolfe (Surviving Summer) and Oliver Edis (Gnomes).

Additional cast includes Asher Yasbincek (Heartbreak High), David Howell (Run, The Narrow Road to the Deep North), Tyroe Muhafidin (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power), Tom Dawson (Tenzing), Sherry-Lee Watson (Heartbreak High), Lu Miller (Nansie), Eliza Learmonth (Baby Shower), and Brodie Townsend (Heartbreak High).

Created by Pete Jackson (Somewhere Boy, The Death of Bunny Munro), the series is directed by Mary Nighy (Say Nothing, Industry) and Ng Choon Ping (What It Feels Like For A Girl, Femme), with executive producers Gavin O’Grady, Petra Fried, Wim De Greef and Jackson. The project continues Clerkenwell Films’ collaboration with Netflix following the award-winning Baby Reindeer.

Supported by Screenwest and the Western Australian Government through the WA Production Attraction Incentive, Breakers demonstrates how Australia’s incentive framework, experienced crews and production-ready locations combine to deliver ambitious international series at scale.

“Attracting a production of this scale to Western Australia is a very exciting opportunity for the local screen industry… The project is estimated to inject more than $19 million into the WA economy and directly emplore more than 100 Western Australians.”

Simone McGurk, Creative Industries Minister

Local talent at the centre

Western Australian heads of department include Production Manager Shelby Shaw, Production Designer Emma Fletcher, Costume Designer Lien See Leong, Sound Recordist Trevor Hope and Gaffer Dan Spriggs, supported by a skilled regional workforce across the South West. Their involvement reflects Australia’s strong talent pipeline and ability to staff complex productions locally while collaborating seamlessly with international creative teams.

“Screenwest is delighted to welcome Netflix to Western Australia for the first time. Breakers provides a fantastic opportunity for Western Australian heads of department, crew, and cast to work on a prestige series and continue developing their careers in the region.”

Rikki Lea Bestall, Screenwest CEO

A milestone moment for the Western Australian screen sector

The production launch coincides with new studio infrastructure and increasing global interest in Australia’s locations, technical capacity and collaborative industry environment. With major projects continuing to choose the country for large-scale productions, Western Australia’s emergence as a new filming hub further broadens the nation’s offering to international partners.

“Production kicking off for a project of this scale on the back of Perth Film Studios reaching completion shows our screen industry is going from strength to strength.”

“This is all part of the Cook Government’s vision to diversify the economy, create local jobs and unlock new opportunities for talent and innovation in Western Australia.”

Simone McGurk, Creative Industries Minister

Filming is scheduled to wrap in June 2026, with the series set for a global release on Netflix.