First look from the set of ABC ME horror comedy CRAZY FUN PARK

February 23 2022

Filming is underway in Melbourne on ABC ME’s horror comedy series Crazy Fun Park, with images from the set revealing a first look at the key cast in character. The ten-episode series promises to be a visually captivating scream for teens, with production happening on location and a significant Fun Park set build taking place. From Werner Film Productions (producers of hit ABC drama The Newsreader), the series presents a coming-of-age tale that follows best friends Chester and Mapplethorpe, a duo so inseparable, not even death can pull them apart.

Created by writer/ director Nicholas Verso (Boys In The Trees) and produced by Joanna Werner (The Newsreader) the series tells the story of Chester, an introverted teen who makes the incredible discovery that his recently deceased best friend, Mapplethorpe, is one of a group of ghoulish teens who haunt the abandoned fun park on the edge of town. Without rules, adults or the real world to get in the way, Chester truly believes that Crazy Fun Park is a place where the fun never stops. But the dead have much to teach the living and Chester soon learns that maintaining his friendship with Mapplethorpe might have dangerous consequences…

Crazy Fun Park stars exciting young Australian talent – Henry Strand as Chester, Stacy Clausen as Mapplethorpe, Hannah Ogawa as Violetta, Justin Holborow as Remus, Pedrea Jackson as Nimrod plus appearances from a venerable adult guest cast including Judith Lucy, Kim Gyngell, Bernard Curry, Alexandra Schepisi, Kuni Hashimoto, Alicia Banit, Simon Burke, Sally-Anne Upton and Anne Charleston.

Libbie Doherty, ABC Head of Children’s, said “The Crazy Fun Park team is clearly having a blast as production gets underway. As rushes roll in, we are already seeing outstanding performances from the young cast – an impressive combination of lightness and depth. Nick’s powerful aesthetic and the world class crew have created a visually stunning space for everyone to play in and the Melbourne locations look beautifully fresh. This show breaks new ground for younger audiences and we are so proud to be the Australian commissioner and home for this series.”

Jenny Buckland, ACTF CEO said: “The ACTF is thrilled to be on the roller coaster with the Crazy Fun Park team and to be bringing this extraordinary, imaginative, high-end television series to the world. It is set to captivate and enthral audiences everywhere, setting its own benchmark for what children’s television can be.”

CRAZY FUN PARK will air on ABC ME and ABC iview in early 2023.

Production Credit: CRAZY FUN PARK is a Werner Film production for the ABC. Major production investment from Screen Australia and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation in association with Film Victoria and the ABC. Distribution by the Australian Children’s Television Foundation. Created by Nicholas Verso, Directed by Verso, Sarah Hickey and Adrian Russell Wills. Writers: Nicholas Verso, Magda Wozniak, Craig Irvin, Enoch Mailangi and Fury. Produced by Joanna Werner with ABC Executive Producer Libbie Doherty. Executive Producer; Stuart Menzies, Joanna Werner, Bernadette O’Mahony.