Production Begins on ABC ME Coming-of-Age Series

Filming has begun on ABC ME’s new live-action series Turn Up the Volume, following a group of young female and gender-diverse teens who start a band at a music camp.

Inspired by the coming-of-age documentary No Time for Quiet, which followed the first Girls Rock! Camp in Melbourne, the new series explores the power of music, friendship and creativity as forces of connection.

The cast of emerging Australian talent features Riya Mandrawa, Erza James, Elaine King, Mira Russo and Ayiana Ncube. Also starring in the series are Justine Clarke, Spencer McLaren, Keith Brockett, Debra Lawrence, Dennis Coard, Kaiya Jones, Ben Chen and Madison Lu.

Matchbox Pictures and Film Camp are producing the ten-part series written by Dannika Horvat (The Summer of ABC Burns), Penelope Chai (Troppo, Eden), Matthew Bon (Neighbours), Ciarán Hanrahan (Home and Away) and newcomers Chloe Wong, Betiel Beyin and Leigh Lule. Directors are Tenika Smith (The Rock Island Mysteries, Neighbours, The Heights), Jub Clerc (The Heights, The Turning: Abbreviation), Harry Lloyd (Neighbours), Jessie Oldfield and Adam Murfet (Why Are You Like This, Heartbreak High). Music for the series is composed and produced by Josh Teicher and Sophia Exiner.

“Turn Up the Volume is a heartfelt voyage through the streets of Footscray for young girls and gender non-conforming teens,” said Libbie Doherty, head of children’s at ABC. “Leaning into the zeitgeist, this series explores identity, love and teen loss set against the struggles of growing up, all through the relatable prism of music and starting a band!”

“There is an extraordinary team of emerging talent in front and behind the camera assembled for this show,” Doherty added. “Supported by the safe hands of Rachel Davis and Philippa Campey, who have a track record for finding and telling extraordinary stories from an unexpected perspective, along with the powerhouse team from Matchbox Pictures. We know The Volume will strike a deep chord with our ABC Me audiences who are finding their voice.”

Philippa Campey and Rachel Davis, producers, said, “It’s a huge privilege to be working on this series with Matchbox Pictures and such a talented group of writers, directors, cast and crew. It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to bring these stories to a fantastic audience on ABC ME.”

Matchbox Pictures’ Amanda Higgs added, “We couldn’t be more thrilled to take center stage with ABC ME on this totally alive and brilliant new series. Rachel and Philippa’s passionate commitment to assembling this amazing team of writers and directors has been phenomenal. It is more important than ever for young people to see themselves reflected on-screen, and we can’t wait for the world to embrace Vivi, Jam, Hex, Breeze and Ginger!”