Coober Pedy, a small town in South Australia, is known for its unique underground homes and opal mines. But did you know that this fascinating location has also been the backdrop for several notable movies and TV shows? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the most famous productions filmed in Coober Pedy and explore the reasons why this remote town has become a popular filming location. So, grab your popcorn and let’s dive in!
Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985)
One of the most iconic movies filmed in Coober Pedy is Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, the third installment in the Mad Max franchise. Directed by George Miller and George Ogilvie, the film stars Mel Gibson as the titular character, Max Rockatansky. The post-apocalyptic setting of the movie was perfectly complemented by the rugged and desolate landscape of Coober Pedy.
The town’s famous Breakaways Reserve, a series of colorful and striking rock formations, served as the location for the Thunderdome itself. The reserve’s unique appearance added an otherworldly feel to the movie, making it a memorable and visually stunning film.
Red Planet (2000)
Another sci-fi film that took advantage of Coober Pedy’s otherworldly landscape is Red Planet, directed by Antony Hoffman. Starring Val Kilmer, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Tom Sizemore, this movie follows a group of astronauts who are sent to Mars to investigate the possibility of human colonization. The desolate and rocky terrain of Coober Pedy provided the perfect backdrop for the Martian landscape, making the film feel more authentic and immersive.
The production team transformed parts of the town into a futuristic Mars base, complete with high-tech equipment and vehicles. The striking contrast between the red Martian landscape and the blue sky made for some visually stunning scenes that left a lasting impression on viewers.
Pitch Black (2000)
The eerie and desolate landscape of Coober Pedy perfectly captured the atmosphere of the unknown planet, adding to the suspense and tension of the film. The town’s moon-like terrain and the vast, open spaces provided an ideal setting for the movie’s thrilling action sequences and terrifying encounters with the alien creatures.
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is a beloved Australian comedy-drama film directed by Stephan Elliott. Starring Hugo Weaving, Guy Pearce, and Terence Stamp, the movie follows two drag queens and a transgender woman as they journey across the Australian Outback in their bus, named “Priscilla,” to perform a drag show in Alice Springs.
Coober Pedy serves as one of the memorable stops on their journey, showcasing the town’s unique landscape and underground homes. The film’s colorful costumes and lively performances, combined with the striking backdrop of Coober Pedy, make it a visually stunning and entertaining movie that has become a cult classic.
Opal Dream (2006)
Opal Dream showcases the unique culture and landscape of Coober Pedy, giving viewers a glimpse into the lives of the town’s residents and the opal mining industry. The film’s heartwarming story and beautiful cinematography make it a must-watch for those interested in learning more about this one-of-a-kind location.
The Osiris Child: Science Fiction Volume One (2016)
Once again, Coober Pedy’s otherworldly landscape provided the perfect setting for this futuristic tale. The town’s desolate terrain and striking rock formations helped create a believable and visually stunning extraterrestrial world, adding to the film’s overall appeal.
TV Shows: Outback Opal Hunters (2018 - Present)
In addition to movies, Coober Pedy has also been featured in television productions. One such example is the reality series Outback Opal Hunters, which premiered in 2018. The show follows the lives of opal miners in the Australian Outback as they search for the elusive and valuable gemstones.
Coober Pedy, being the “Opal Capital of the World,” is a primary location for the series. The show provides an in-depth look at the challenges and rewards of opal mining, as well as the unique lifestyle of the miners who call Coober Pedy home. The stunning landscape and fascinating mining process make this series a must-watch for anyone interested in the town and its famous industry.
Upcoming Show: Stars on Mars (2023)
An exciting new reality TV series, Stars on Mars, is currently being filmed in Coober Pedy, with production taking place in April 2023. The show follows a simulation of what it might be like to be an astronaut on Mars, featuring celebrity contestants competing to be the last one standing, the “celebronaut.”
Hosted by William Shatner and featuring Lisa Rinna as a contestant, the series is set to premiere on June 5, 2023. The unique and otherworldly landscape of Coober Pedy provides the perfect setting for this-themed competition, adding to the show’s authenticity and visual appeal.
The production team behind Stars on Mars includes executive producers Chris Culvenor, Wesley Dening, Paul Franklin, Eden Gaha, and Charles Wachter, who also serves as the showrunner. With a talented team and an intriguing premise, Stars on Mars is sure to be an exciting addition to the list of notable productions filmed in Coober Pedy.
Conclusion
Coober Pedy’s unique landscape and otherworldly charm have made it a popular filming location for various movies and TV shows. From post-apocalyptic action films to heartwarming family dramas, this remote town has proven to be a versatile and visually stunning backdrop for many productions. If you’re a fan of movies or television, be sure to check out these notable titles filmed in Coober Pedy and experience the magic of this one-of-a-kind location for yourself.