03 03 2021 - Media release

Nickelodeon International, Network 10 and Screen Australia announce Taylor’s Island

EP Chris Oliver-Taylor, writers Marisa Nathar and Alix Beane

Nickelodeon International and ViacomCBS-owned Network 10 today announced their first-ever partnership with the greenlight of Taylor’s Island (working title).

Produced by Fremantle, with major production investment from Screen Australia, the new original live-action series will premiere across Nickelodeon channels around the world, beginning early 2022. As part of the agreement, Nordic Entertainment Group is also a partner, premiering Taylor’s Island as an exclusive Viaplay Original on their Viaplay streaming service in the Nordic and Baltic markets.

The 20 x 22-minute action-packed comedy filmed in Queensland follows Taylor Young, a girl who is fascinated by the phenomena surrounding a mysterious island, ever since her uncle’s disappearance there. With a gang of friends, including Nori, a wisecracking local rebel; Meesha, a tough-as-nails thrill seeker; Ellis, a hypochondriac and born worrier; and Taylor’s stepsister Lila, an aspiring vlogger, Taylor is determined to get to the bottom of the secrets and inexplicable events of the island. In the pursuit of the truth, the friends go on an adventure of a lifetime, facing endless beaches, hidden treasures, cryptic riddles, and thrilling legends waiting to be unraveled.

“This new partnership marks our first non-preschool Australian scripted live-action production for Nickelodeon channels around the world. As we continue to diversify our kids content pipeline, this is an exciting time for us to team up with ViacomCBS’s own Network 10 to bring new content to kids everywhere.” said Jules Borkent, Executive Vice President, Kids & Family, ViacomCBS Networks International.

Beverley McGarvey, Chief Content Officer & EVP, ViacomCBS Australia & New Zealand, said: “We are thrilled to be announcing our first partnership with Nickelodeon International to create Taylor’s Island. This new original live-action series further cements our commitment to premium children’s content. It will be a fantastic addition and complement our diverse, entertaining and accessible slate of children’s programming already available on Network 10’s free to air channel, 10 Shake.”

Screen Australia’s Head of Content Sally Caplan said, “We’re thrilled to support this compelling and imaginative children’s series from the experienced team at Fremantle and an exciting group of established and emerging Australian writers. With its playful storylines and diverse cast of characters, I’m confident it will engage young audiences here and around the world.”

Taylor’s Island is produced by Fremantle Australia, executive produced by Chris Oliver-Taylor, produced by Tim Powell alongside co-producer Jonah Klein. Chris Rose, VP Production & Development for Nickelodeon International and VIS KIDS is overseeing the show with Rachel Davis serving as the Executive in Charge of Production for Nickelodeon International in Australia. Additional executive producers include creators Matt Cooke and Vince Lund, and Michael Ford. The writers are Stephen Vagg, Sam Carroll, Alix Beane, David Hannam, Marisa Nathar, Natesha Somasundaram, Trent Roberts, and Hannah Samuel. Taylor’s Island has received major production investment from Screen Australia in association with Screen Queensland, with production commencing in July 2021.

Headshots of Natesha Somasundaram, Hannah Samuel Writers Natesha Somasundaram, Hannah Samuel