Residents of Byron Bay in New South Wales are protesting the filming of a planned Netflix series, “Byron Baes” in their town. Locals have protested in the streets and circulated an online petition against filming of the “docu-soap.”
Byron Baes Protests
Residents Hold Emergency Meeting Over “Byron Baes.” “Residents and business owners in the New South Wales beachside town of Byron Bay have held an emergency meeting over the proposed Netflix original series, Byron Baes, and called on the streaming platform to cancel the show. Locals, including the owners of the Byron establishments the Byron Bay General Store and No Bones restaurant, gathered on Friday night to discuss what could be done to protect the community.” [The Guardian]
Netflix Says Show Is “Docu-Soap” Reality Show. “Netflix says the show is a “docu-soap” and a “love letter to Byron Bay” which will follow the lives of “hot Instagrammers” and their “fights, flings and heartbreak” in the coastal town. Some locals believe the show will make a mockery of the town, which has been more historically identifiable for its hippie influences, rather than hip influencers.” [ABC]
Thousands Signed Anti-“Byron Baes” Petition. “Thousands of people have signed a petition calling for a boycott of a proposed Netflix reality show to be set in the Australian beach town of Byron Bay. The petition, which calls for a filming ban, argues the town will be used as a “punch line” for the show.” [BBC]
Byron Bay Mayor Opposes Show. “Many locals, including the mayor, don’t want it filmed and say it’s just the kind of attention the town doesn’t need given the current housing affordability crisis.” [Armidale Express]
Local Businesses Refusing Permission To Record Show. “Local business owners gathered at Main Beach with colourful painted signs telling the show to “Netflick off” and declaring, “Byron’s soul is not for sale.” Dan said his wife was approached by production crew to film parts of the show at their cafe – a request he claims she declined.”” [SBS]
Byron Baes Background
Show Created By “Vice” Writer. “The show grew from an idea by Vice writer Julian Morgans, who will now co-executive produce the program with Rachel Tuffery, backed by Eureka Productions. Byron Baes will star more than a dozen of these local influencers, though little more information about the cast, premiere date or format is currently available.” [NME]
One of the first political bloggers in the world, Oliver Willis has operated OliverWillis.com since 2000. Contributor at Media Matters for America and The American Independent. Follow on Twitter at @owillis. Full bio.