Netflix has announced it has commissioned its first Australian Netflix Original documentary, Microworlds: Reef, with major production investment from Screen Australia in association with Screen Queensland.

Microworlds Reef is the first original documentary commissioned in Australia by Netflix. Principal photography commenced in May and is taking place in its studios in Port Douglas and on the GBR. Delivery is expected at the end of May.

According to Louise Polain, a principal of BioQuest Studios, the current project is a Netflix original documentary.

“We are a company located in Port Douglas for nearly 30 years with over a 100 credits and have completed numerous projects over the past 12 months.”

Filmed in Australia on the Great Barrier Reef, the sophisticated supermacro techniques specifically developed for the film will immerse viewers, for the very first time, in the exquisite world of the reef’s tiny, weird and wonderful inhabitants.

Directed by Nick Robinson, the producers are Electra Manikakis, Nick Robinson and Peta Ayers for Wild Pacific Media (Australia’s Ocean Odyssey, Australia: The Wild Top End, Out of Bounds Mountain Adventure); and Pete West, Louise Polain, Daniel Stoupin for BioQuest Studios.

From a rarely seen perspective, a coral reef comes to life with the slow, the fast and the almost-alien world of the creatures that underpin its ecosystems. This naturally contained world is home to dramas that play out every day unnoticed by the human eye.

Head of Documentary at Screen Australia, Bernadine Lim said: “Wild Pacific Media and BioQuest Studios have joined forces to create an incredibly innovative project, one which we are proud to support.

“The techniques that have been developed specifically for this project are ground-breaking and demonstrate the creativity and ingenuity of Australian filmmaking teams. Microworlds: Reef will allow viewers to explore hidden worlds often too small to be seen by the human eye, and we are excited Netflix will bring this documentary to both Australian and international audiences.”

Screen Queensland Chief Creative Officer, Jo Dillon said Screen Queensland said BioQuest Studios is an innovative Far North Queensland screen business and, by supporting this production, it is successfully delivering on the Far North Queensland Screen Production Strategic Plan to create opportunities for the screen industry and generate economic impact in the region.

“Microworlds: Reef is able to continue production safely in accordance with an approved COVID-safe industry plan, which speaks to the overall resilience of the Queensland screen sector despite current challenges.”

Producer/DOP Pete West said: “We are very proud to be co-producing this groundbreaking film for Netflix. As scientists and filmmakers, we are highly motivated to discover and communicate stories that have never been told, using images that have never been seen. Our specialised optics, lighting and precision control techniques will expose a fascinating microworld that underpins our precious reef ecosystems.”

“With regard to crew, we have our three principals: Pete West, myself and Daniel Stoupin. Our editor from Brisbane, Bobbi Hansel, has re-located in Port Douglas and we have our attachment/edit assist, and a local Alison Munro. A portion of the post and VFX will be undertaken here by BioQuest Studios and the remainder in Sydney,” said Polain

Production credit: Microworlds Reef is a BioQuest Studios and Wild Pacific Media production for Netflix. Major production investment from Screen Australia in association with Screen Queensland.