New Gold Mountain Season 1 Episode 5 BONUS: The Making of New Gold Mountain
- February 3, 2022
- 16 min
BONUS: The Making of New Gold Mountain takes audiences behind the scenes for an in-depth look at how the show was made. From how the show was conceptualized to the challenges they faced during production, viewers get an inside look at the creative process behind the historical drama.
The episode begins with interviews with the show's creators, producers, and writers. They discuss how they initially came up with the idea for the show and the research process they underwent to ensure historical accuracy. They explain how they wanted to tell the story of the Chinese migrants who came to Australia during the Gold Rush with depth and nuance, to show the complex, resilient characters and unique experiences that have often been overlooked.
Next, viewers are taken on a tour of the show's set and locations. The production team discusses how they transformed modern-day Victoria, Australia, into a convincing portrayal of the 19th century Gold Rush era. They explain the challenges they faced in finding locations that were both historically accurate and practical for filming, as well as the painstaking process of dressing sets and costuming cast members.
As the episode goes on, we are introduced to the show's talented cast. Actors Yoson An, James Ao, and Mabel Li share their experiences of portraying their characters and what they learned from the historical research process. They describe their approach to acting in period pieces and the challenges of adapting to different accents and dialects.
Another aspect of the show that is highlighted in this episode is the significance of representation. Cast and crew discuss how the show aims to bring to light the experiences of Chinese migrants and their descendants, experiences that have often been ignored or erased. They celebrate the fact that this show has allowed Asian actors to play more well-rounded and complex characters, to express their identities and represent their cultural heritage onscreen.
The episode ends with a look at the post-production process. Viewers are introduced to sound designers and composers, who explain how they create the show's immersive audio landscape and score. The editors discuss how they weave together footage to create a coherent narrative, as well as the challenges of editing a show that often features multiple languages.
BONUS: The Making of New Gold Mountain is an excellent companion piece to the series, providing viewers with an informative and engaging behind-the-scenes look at how the show was made. From the research process to the final edit, viewers are given a glimpse of the dedicated work of the cast and crew in bringing this unique story to life.