Jonathan M. Shiff and ZDF Enterprises announce production start of series 2

Final stages of preparation for filming of Season 2 of the international hit children’s television series, MAKO – ISLAND OF SECRETS are underway. Marketed and distributed internationally by ZDF Enterprises as MAKO MERMAIDS, the series achieved a world first for producer Jonathan M. Shiff Productions when it was recently launched as the “first live-action Netflix Original children’s series”.

With a $12.15 million budget, the story of the magical Mako Island continues in MAKO – ISLAND OF SECRETS 2. A pod of mermaids who once called Mako home have had their lives turned upside down by a merman who developed a connection with the island, posing a threat to their existence. As the mermaids struggle to take back his powers, they discover that his connection with Mako isn’t quite an accident. New mermaids and mermen are met along the way, and some are even created!

The series sees some stars from the first season returning as well as several new and exciting cast additions. Amy Ruffle will once again play mermaid SIRENA, Chai Romruen will return as merman ZAC and Gemma Forsyth will again play EVIE, but this time with a twist in her tail! Joining the new season will be Isabel Durant (DANCE ACADEMY, C.A.M.P) as mermaid ONDINA and handsome newcomer, Alex Cubis, as merman ERIK.

With the first MAKO season a smash hit in the international market, particularly in the USA and Canada, the lead cast also includes Canadian actress, Allie Bertram (FRINGE, SUPERNATURAL, RADIO REBEL), as mermaid MIMMI. Allie enjoys a huge profile in Canada and was recently runner up on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, CANADA. In Australia, MAKO – ISLAND OF SECRETS is screened on Network Ten’s ELEVEN and on TENplay. Internationally it is distributed by ZDF Enterprises. “As with the original series H2O – JUST ADD WATER, of which MAKO is a spinoff, the series is proving to be a runaway global success, not only with the children’s audience, but also with wide family appeal,” said Executive and Creative Producer, Jonathan Shiff. “Our new partnership with Netflix brings us into an even bigger market of tens of millions of viewers who will enjoy the magical world of mermaids with the stunning Gold Coast backdrop”.

Arne Lohmann, VP ZDFE.junior adds: “We are delighted that “Mako Mermaids” has outperformed the success of “H20-Just add water” and has proven to be a worldwide hit. In season 2 exciting new adventures will be brought to the millions of fans worldwide”.

MAKO – ISLAND OF SECRETS 2 is produced in association with Network Ten, ZDF and Netflix, with investment from Screen Australia and Screen Queensland. The series is supported by the City of Gold Coast’s Investment Attraction Program..