Stan’s McLeod’s Daughters revival heads to Victoria

Stan’s McLeod’s Daughters revival will film almost entirely in regional Victoria, with the production projected to generate up to $35 million in state expenditure and up to 900 jobs.

Stan and VicScreen announced the location deal, bringing the next chapter of the rural drama to Victoria with major production investment from the state’s screen agency. The package also includes additional production investment, skills development and regional community engagement initiatives.

Produced by Werner Film Productions, part of BBC Studios, the series will follow a new generation of McLeod women at Drovers Run, building on the world created by Posie Graeme-Evans.

A new home for Drovers Run

Nine Entertainment executive director, entertainment, Michael Healy said the response to the revival’s initial announcement demonstrated the appetite for its return.

“The overwhelming and passionate response to our initial announcement made it clear that Australia is more than ready for the return of McLeod’s Daughters. We are thrilled to bring this iconic series to a new home in regional Victoria, placing its stunning landscapes and vibrant local communities at the very heart of this next chapter. This milestone project builds on our longstanding, deeply valued relationship with VicScreen. Collaborating with their team is always a privilege – their exceptional creative support and commercial acumen make them extraordinary partners in bringing world-class Australian stories to our screens.”

The original McLeod’s Daughters ran for eight seasons and 224 episodes, reaching audiences in more than 100 countries.

Twenty-five years after Australian viewers first met Tess and Claire McLeod, the revival will return to the themes of women working on the land, family relationships and romance.

Joanna Werner, of Werner Film Productions, said the production would draw on Victoria’s locations and screen workforce.

“There’s been so much excitement around the return of the much-loved McLeod’s Daughters, and Werner Film Productions and Stan are committed to bringing audiences something truly special. Regional Victoria offers stunning landscapes, outstanding talent and world-class crews, and we can’t wait to partner with VicScreen to showcase the timeless beauty of the Victorian countryside.”

Regional jobs and production investment

Werner will lead production with a predominantly Victorian crew, extending Stan and Nine’s production activity across the state.

Their recent Victorian projects include Dear Life in Ballarat, Scrublands in Maryborough, Gnomes in Croydon and Eltham, and One More Shot in Black Rock. Melbourne productions include Slander, Saccharine, Human Error and Underbelly.

VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher said the revival would deliver benefits beyond the screen.

“We’re thrilled to welcome beloved series McLeod’s Daughters to Victoria. Led by acclaimed Victorian producer Joanna Werner and a predominantly Victorian crew, the series will create jobs, build local capability, and deliver significant economic benefits across regional Victoria, further strengthening our state’s international reputation as the home of premium Australian screen stories and games.”

Stan has described McLeod’s Daughters as “coming soon”, with a release date yet to be announced.