The Barrumbi Kids, a 10 part children's television series, has received $715,000 from the Territory Government through the 2020-21 Screen Territory COVID-19 grant program.

Production of the series will see significant involvement from the Beswick community and is expected to benefit the local economy through employment of cast and crew, and the use of goods and services including accommodation, transport, catering/hospitality and set building.

The series, produced by Danielle MacLean of Darwin based production company Tamarind Tree Pictures, Monica O'Brien of Ambience Entertainment and independent producer Julia Morris is based on the popular book series by Territory author Leonie Norrington and will premiere on NITV in 2022.

"It is really good having Barrumbi Kids in our community of Beswick," Beswick (Wugularr), Traditional Owner Jawoyn Country, Esther Bullumbarra said.

"I'm really excited to see our kids making this series, changing it from a book into a television series. The books were published a long time ago now and we will be the first community to make a television series here. People, especially the kids, will be able to see our culture."

Barrumbi Kids tells the story of Tomias and Dahlia, two best friends growing up in a remote Northern Territory community. Through fishing, hunting and going to school, the children learn about themselves, each other and both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal cultures.

"Barrumbi Kids is one of those projects that you fight to get made because it's so good, so important and such an incredible experience for all involved," co-producers of Barrumbi Kids Danielle MacLean, Monica O'Brien and Julia Morris said.

Screen Australia, National Indigenous Television (NITV) and Australian Children's Television Foundation (ACTF) are also providing investment into the series.

This new series is the second major children's television production being filmed in the Territory with another 10 part TV series, MaveriX having completed filming in Alice Springs on June 4.

"Investing in the Territory Screen Industry is incredibly important to build its capacity and raise the profile of the Territory and our unique storytelling," Minister for Industry, Nicole Manison said.

The Northern Territory Government invested $9 million into the Northern Territory Screen Industry over four years (2016-2020), and this investment has seen significant growth in our screen sector and development of local productions.

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