Seven is moving ahead with production plans for the crazy mini-golf format Holey Moley in Australia after US filming was cancelled earlier this year.
Filming for the ambitious series will commence at the beginning of October on a new custom-built course created by production company Eureka on a Cleveland property in the south-east of Brisbane.
Along with the regular series, TV Blackbox understands the network is also looking to produce some Holey Moley specials featuring junior competitors playing in combination with an adult partner.
Seven had previously attempted to film Holey Moley in the US in March. However, as TV Blackbox exclusively revealed at the time, a mix of torrential rain followed by the spread of the COVID-19 virus caused the network to abandon production without a single episode completed.
The shutdown was a significant financial headache for Seven and producers Eureka. The US production involved a production team of over 500 people, including 60 contestants, many of whom had to be quickly flown back to Australia and put into isolation.
Seven is expected to confirm full cast details soon. TV Blackbox understands US comedian Rob Riggles and Australian golf legend Greg Norman will still have an involvement with the new series.
AFL commentator Brian Taylor has now opted not to be involved with the production due to the clash with the AFL Finals series.
Holey Moley is a format created by Australian production house Eureka and was a huge ratings success when it first premiered in the US last year.
Building the new custom course in Australia was a significant expensive for the production company, but the potential to produce multiple versions of the format for television markets around the world could be a massive boon for the local industry.
With US travel restrictions likely to remain in place for a significant period of time, filming in the safer environment of Australia is anticipated to be appealing for some international productions.
