WildBrain Boards Libertine Pictures’ Red Rocks

Production has started on the new live-action adventure drama series Red Rocks from Libertine Pictures for BYUtv in the U.S. and Sky New Zealand, with WildBrain distributing.

Adapted from Rachael King’s award-winning novel of the same name, Red Rocks is a family co-viewing series for kids 8 to 12. It is set to deliver by the end of this year as an 8×30-minute show.

Red Rocks taps into the Celtic myth of the selkies, or seal people, and transplants it into the landscape of Wellington’s wild south coast, featuring an ordinary boy on a life-changing adventure. The production team has engaged Oscar- and BAFTA-winning visual effects and props company Wētā Workshop to create animatronic seals for the series.

The show is being filmed on location in the Wellington region and features Dominic Ona-Ariki (One Lane Bridge, The Commons, Savage), Jim Moriarty (Mahana, The Strength of Water, Vegas) and Phoenix Connolly (The Royal Treatment, The Brokenwood Mysteries, Evil Dead), with Zeta Sutherland (Power Rangers: Dino Fury, Shortland Street) and Korban Knock.

Executive Producer Richard Fletcher (Mystic, Under the Vines, Daffodils) commented: “We are thrilled to bring Rachael’s novel to the screen and have the opportunity to highlight Wellington’s wild and beautiful south coast. Red Rocks tackles themes of environmental concern, discovery of inner strength, understanding of family and a sense of turangawaewae (belonging) in a relatable and entertaining way. Martha Hardy-Ward’s fantastic action-packed scripts are full of adventure, mystery, jeopardy, humor and mystical creatures. Balancing relatable inner drama with exhilarating action and discovery, Red Rocks will resonate with parents and children alike.”

Andra Johnson Duke, head of content at BYUtv, said: “This beautiful new series is an exploration of mythical storytelling and interpersonal relationships that we’re confident will connect families with cultures and with each other. The original concept and unique setting will really set the show apart, and we’re grateful to be associated with Libertine Pictures and Sky New Zealand on such a creative and fulfilling project.”

Thomas Robins, head of Sky originals NZ, said: “We have the A-team taking charge of this magnificent story. I can’t wait to see what magic Libertine conjures up and pops on our screens for families all around the world to enjoy. While Red Rocks is a New Zealand story, produced by excellent local talent, it is also a dream international collaboration between us (Sky New Zealand) the wonderful BYUtv, and the uber-cool WildBrain. It’s been a joy to work on so far—there is a very exciting show heading our way!”

Katie Wilson, VP of channels and global acquisitions at WildBrain, said: “There’s always international demand for relatable coming-of-age dramas that deliver something new. Red Rocks is compellingly fresh with its suspenseful storylines, faceted characters and interweaving of ancient folklore and selkies into real-life dramas—all set against the stunning dramatic backdrop of New Zealand. It’s a captivating ride, sure to hook global audiences as we follow our protagonists on their exciting adventures.”

Jake Evill, Wētā Workshop’s project supervisor, said: “It’s fantastic to be a part of this homegrown production that supports local talent. Practical effects are our specialty, and we love working on projects like this where there was a true collaborative spirit and we felt really connected to the job.”