Netflix Gets Reality Check From Byron Bay Residents Opposing New Show
By Carly Mayberry
On 4/19/21 at 8:06 PM EDT
The reality show
Byron Baes, featuring social media influencers in a pristine coastal town, has caused chaos among the town s residents. Locals have started a petition signed by more than 6,000 people against the show being shot in the town. In addition, a protest paddle-out has been scheduled for April 20 via the town s Byron Bay Community Board page on Facebook.
Locals, including musician and owner of The Byron Bay General Store Ben Gordon, remain dead set against a multinational company that is trying to exploit the town s name when the community doesn t want it. Some area businesses, like the Byron Bay Café and local clothing stores, have refused to sign filming permits, keeping producers from recording footage on the premises.
âTheyâve got a big fight on their handsâ: US giant Netflix gets dose of reality in Byron Bay
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Byron Baeswas supposed to be one of Netflixâs most celebrated productions - a local reality show that would send a strong signal that the global streaming giant was committed to investing in Australian content. Instead, it has caused anger in one of NSWâs most famous coastal towns.
A group of locals has united to try and stop the $US242 billion ($313 billion) streaming serviceâs attempt to create its first locally-commissioned reality series and some of Byron Bayâs most popular cafes, restaurants and clothing stores are refusing to sign filming permits.
Byron Baes: Netflix gets dose of reality in Byron Bay watoday.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from watoday.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Netflix s first Australian reality show Byron Baes will take audiences into the lives of Byron Bay’s most-followed influencers Bianca Healey credit: @netflixanz
Netflix Australia is developing a documentary-style reality show set in Byron Bay that will offer an inside glimpse into the drama and love lives of Byron Bay’s influencer community. There s no better backdrop or magnet for influencers than Byron Bay,” said Netflix’s director of content for Australia and New Zealand Que Minh Luu.
The announcement signals the streaming platform’s accelerating investment in original Australian content.
Netflix Australia is developing “Byron Baes”, an eight-part original docu-soap that promises to take viewers behind “the perfect post” glimpse into the lives of Byron Bay’s top influencers, the streaming platform announced today.