Ruqayyah Snyder
Clickbait, the Netflix cyberthriller series, was created by Australians Tony Ayres and Christian White and filmed in Melbourne, Australia. The show, which centres on the dangers of internet anonymity, received funding from the Australian government and was produced by Melbourne-based companies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Miniseries | 8-part series |
| Genre | Cyberthriller, Mystery drama |
| Plot | Explores the dangers of the anonymity the internet provides and how it sometimes aids people's worst impulses |
| Production House | Netflix |
| Producers | Melbourne-based Matchbox Pictures, Tony Ayres Productions, and Heyday Television |
| Co-creators | Tony Ayres and Christian White |
| Director | Tony Ayres |
| Writer | Christian White |
| Filming Location | Melbourne, Australia |
| Funding | $4.9 million from the Australian government |
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What You'll Learn
Clickbait's funding
Clickbait is primarily used to increase page views on websites, which can boost online advertising revenue. It can also be used for phishing attacks to spread malicious files or steal user information. Clickbait has been blamed for the rise of post-truth politics, with emotional and stark headlines being widely shared and clicked, leading to a proliferation of websites that profit by producing shareable, short-form pieces offering simple moral judgements on political and social issues.
Facebook, for example, has been a significant platform for clickbait, with political actors funding sites that produce such content. While Facebook has attempted to reduce the amount of clickbait shown to users, defining it as a headline that encourages clicks without revealing the content, it has been criticised for not effectively curbing the issue.
The use of clickbait is controversial, with many considering it morally questionable and indefensible as a strategy. It is often viewed as a form of false advertising that misleads and dupes users, leading to frustration and resentment. However, some argue that when used correctly, clickbait can be a powerful marketing tool, leveraging human psychology and the dopamine reward system to drive engagement and revenue.
In the context of charities, the use of clickbait is highly debated, with some arguing that it provides combustible fuel to the debate about aggressive fundraising tactics. While it can drive traffic to charities, it may also aggravate and repel potential donors.
Overall, while clickbait can be lucrative for content creators and platforms, it has faced significant backlash for its deceptive nature and contribution to the spread of misleading information.
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Filming locations
Although Clickbait is set in Oakland, California, most of the show was filmed in Melbourne, Australia. The production team used Docklands Studios Melbourne, located in the inner suburb of Docklands, as well as several other locations around the city, including the suburbs of Broadmeadows, Fitzroy, and Coburg.
The Brewer house, which features in many scenes, was one of several sets created at Docklands Studios Melbourne. The Broadmeadows Town Hall, which appears in the series as a police station, is another recognisable building in Broadmeadows. Additionally, the exterior of Rogue's Bar, a real bar in Fitzroy, was used as a filming location, while interior scenes were filmed at another bar in Fitzroy called The Gem.
The Sunshine Mosque in Melbourne, the largest mosque in Victoria, was also used as a filming location for a scene in which Roshan prays inside a mosque.
Some exterior shots were filmed in Oakland, California, with the Oakland Bay Bridge in the background, and in the San Francisco Bay Area, including the Fox Theatre in uptown Oakland.
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The show's plot
Netflix's Clickbait is a "character-based thriller" that explores the dangers of the internet's anonymity and how it sometimes fuels people's worst impulses. The show is set in Oakland, California, but most of it is filmed in Melbourne, Australia, with some outdoor scenes in the United States. The series follows father and husband Nick Brewer, who is abducted in a crime with a sinister online twist. Nick's sister and wife race to uncover who is behind his disappearance and why.
The show is a co-creation of showrunner and producer Tony Ayres and screenwriter Christian White. Ayres is one of Australia's most prolific showrunners, writers, and directors, with award-winning credits including Nowhere Boys, Glitch, and The Slap. White is a best-selling author and screenwriter, who co-wrote the internationally acclaimed feature film Relic.
The series was produced by Melbourne-based Matchbox Pictures and Tony Ayres Productions, along with Heyday Television for Netflix. All three companies are part of NBCUniversal International Studios. Clickbait received funding from the Australian federal government and the Victorian government through Film Victoria's Production Incentive Attraction Fund.
The show received positive reviews, with many praising its tense and mysterious plot. It topped Netflix charts worldwide, holding the number-one spot in over 20 countries and sitting at the top of the US chart for 12 days. The show also generated employment for 1,890 Australian cast and crew members, showcasing Australia's world-class screen industry.
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Creative filming techniques
The Netflix series Clickbait was indeed made in Australia, with Melbourne doubling for Oakland, California, where the show is set. The cyberthriller was produced by Melbourne-based Matchbox Pictures and Tony Ayres Productions, and received funding from the Australian government.
Now, here is some information on creative filming techniques:
Another technique used was virtual production, which involves LED walls and real-time rendering engines. This method was employed to create realistic backgrounds and environments during filming, reducing the need for extensive post-production work. The show's creators also made use of point-of-view (POV) filming, which involves mounting the camera on the actor or using handheld devices to capture the scene from the character's perspective. This technique creates a uniquely personal viewing experience, putting the audience directly in the shoes of the character.
Additionally, the filmmakers likely utilised creative colour grading, a process that uses advanced colour correction tools to enhance the mood and atmosphere of a scene. They may have also employed dynamic editing techniques such as jump cuts, match cuts, and rhythmic editing to create energy and flow within the narrative. These techniques, combined with practical effects and innovative sound design, contributed to the overall immersive viewing experience of "Clickbait."
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The cast and crew
Clickbait, the Netflix cyberthriller miniseries, was created by Tony Ayres and Christian White. Ayres, who is Australian, also serves as showrunner, while Brad Anderson, Emma Freeman, Ben Young, and Cherie Nowlan are directors. The series was produced by David Heyman under his Heyday Television banner.
The cast of Clickbait features several Australian actors, including Phoenix Raei, who plays Detective Roshan Amiri, and Ian Meadows, who portrays Matt Aldin, one of Nick Brewer's business colleagues. Other Australian actors in the series include Jake Speer, who appears in episode five, and Debra Lawrence, who plays Principal Heller in episode seven.
The lead actor in Clickbait is Adrian Grenier, who portrays Nick Brewer, a devoted family man who goes missing after a viral video of him holding a sign that reads "I Abuse Women" surfaces. Grenier is known for his roles in Entourage and The Devil Wears Prada.
Other notable cast members include Betty Gabriel as Sophie Brewer, Nick's wife, Zoe Kazan as Pia Brewer, Abraham Lim as Ben Park, a reporter and associate producer, and Jessie Collins as Emma Beesley.
The series was filmed entirely in Australia, specifically in Melbourne, which doubled for Oakland, California, where the story is set. The decision to film in Australia was influenced by financial considerations, COVID-19 precautions, and the availability of talented crew and actors in the country.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, 'Clickbait' was primarily filmed in Melbourne, Australia.
'Clickbait' is a co-creation of Tony Ayres and Australian screenwriter Christian White.
'Clickbait' is a cyberthriller that revolves around a murky kidnapping, with those closest to the victim subsequently trying to uncover the truth.
Yes, the Australian government gave Netflix $4.9 million for the series to be filmed in Victoria.
No, most of the main actors in 'Clickbait' were American.
