Treasure and Dirt
Michael Dorman and Liv Hewson star in a new crime drama from Easy Tiger set in a dying opal town.
Based on the novel by Chris Hammer (Scrublands), Treasure & Dirt, is set in a dying opal town in the middle of the desert, where law and order are little more than myths. Thieves raid the mines, zealots preach salvation to the lost, and billionaire magnates play god.
When a miner is found beheaded and left to decompose in the depths of his own small claim, big-city homicide detective Ivan Lucic (Doorman) is sent to investigate. Assigned to him is former local constable Nell Buchanan (Hewson), who knows how this place really works – and how it warps people. Together, they’re drawn into a labyrinth of secrets, greed, and old sins that won’t stay buried. As the case twists into something darker and more surreal, Ivan and Nell can’t tell whether it’s the town that’s unravelling or themselves.
The cast also features Sarah Peirse (The Twelve: Cape Rock Killer, Under the Vines), Thomas M. Wright (Wolfram, The Stranger), Mark Mitchinson (Mystery Road, Uproar), Eamon Farren (Twin Peaks, The Witcher), Kelton Pell (Run, Reckless), Steve Le Marquand (Mystery Road: Origin, The Twelve), Arnijka Larcombe-Weate (Boy Swallows Universe, True Colors) Dean O’Gorman (After the Party, The Hobbit), Ling Cooper Tang (Nautilus, Top of the Lake: China Girl), Elena Carapetis (RFDS, The Hunting), Roman Mellis (Dead Sunrise), Nathan Jones (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Spiderhead), Zane Blumeris (Scrublands, The Dispatcher), Bessie Holland (The Twelve: Cape Rock Killer, Fisk), Kris McQuade (The Twelve, Deadloch), Glenda Linscott (Kangaroo Island, The Heights) and introducing Evie Greay.
ABC Head of Scripted, Rachel Okine said: “South Australia is the perfect backdrop for this crime series where the world below and the world above are stark contrasts. We are excited to be working with the incredibly talented team who are putting a fresh lens across the crime genre and elevating it to breathtaking heights. The performances, storytelling and visual craft behind this series is exceptional and we’re incredibly excited to see it all come together”.
Easy Tiger’s Ian Collie and Rob Gibson, Executive Producers said: “Treasure & Dirt is a gripping, must-watch thriller and continues our partnership with Chris Hammer, arguably one of Australia’s best crime writers.
“We are delighted to be working with the ABC on this production and thrilled to be filming again in South Australia, with the support of the South Australian Film Corporation as well as our international partners Sphere Abacus, and the BBC.
“Adapted for the screen by fellow Executive Producer Matt Cameron, the incredible Treasure & Dirt team is led by director Madeleine Gottlieb and producer Rebecca Summerton.
“We can’t wait for audiences here and around the globe to meet Detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan and the colorful characters of Nulla, as well as showcasing the amazing locations of South Australia, including the arid deserts and the underground tunnels of the unique Coober Pedy.”
Easy Tiger’s Producer Rebecca Summerton said: “I’m pleased to be partnering with the brilliant team at Easy Tiger, and an exceptional cast and crew, on this powerful and distinctive new crime series for the ABC. South Australia has long been home to some of the country’s most striking and memorable screen stories, and Treasure & Dirt continues that tradition. Filming across Coober Pedy, the Flinders Ranges and Adelaide, the series captures the raw beauty and mystery of these landscapes in a story that’s rich in atmosphere, character and suspense.”
Treasure & Dirt is an Easy Tiger Production for the ABC in association with the BBC and the South Australian Film Corporation. Major production investment from the South Australian Film Corporation and the ABC. Executive Producers Ian Collie, Rob Gibson and Matt Cameron. Produced by Rebecca Summerton. Directed by Madeleine Gottlieb. ABC Executive Producers Rachel Okine and Rebecca Anderson. Worldwide distribution by Sphere Abacus.