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UKTV braves Cape Carnage: Killer Catch for U&Dave

27th January 2025

UKTV braves Cape Carnage: Killer Catch in new adventure series for U&Dave

One family’s extreme existence working the treacherous northern waters of Australia is the subject of new series from McAvoy Media.

UKTV has commissioned a new adventure documentary series, Cape Carnage: Killer Catch (10x60’), for U&Dave and streaming service, U. The ten-part series is produced by Sydney-based McAvoy Media.

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Cape Carnage: Killer Catch follows the Davey family, led by Captain Bruce, his wife, Juanita, and son Tiger, as they make their living in one of the most dangerous ways possible - hand line fishing in the treacherous waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria, also infamously known as Cape Carnage, off the northern coast of Australia.

The Gulf of Carpentaria is bustling with life; crocodile, tuna, and the apex predator - shark. From July to October, fishermen from all over Australia gather here to hunt for one fish in particular - the lucrative Spanish mackerel, and with some of the most sought-after flesh in the world, these are a million dollar catch worth fighting for.

Captain Bruce and his family have been fishing these waters for more than half a century, and Tiger and his wife Prue are holding with family tradition by raising their two young children aboard the family boat, M. V. Wildcard. For the four months of the year when the prized Spanish mackerel are running, these seas and the Wildcard are their home, and they take on nature by hand, battling the weather, the sharks, and sometimes themselves, as they chase their fortune.

Over ten episodes, as they face challenges at every turn, Cape Carnage: Killer Catch charts the blood, sweat and tears of the Davey family and crew through another turbulent fishing season and family life on board M. V. Wildcard.

Cape Carnage: Killer Catch has been commissioned for UKTV by Commissioning Executive, Emile Nawagamuwa, with Head of Factual and Factual Entertainment Commissioning, Helen Nightingale, and ordered for U&Dave by Director of Programming, Factual & Factual Entertainment, Adam Collings and Director of Commissioning, Hilary Rosen. The Executive Producers are John McAvoy and Mathew Keygan, and the Director is Morgan Hartney. International distribution is being handled by Cineflix Rights.

“The Davey family and crew are kings and queens of one of the last wild frontiers."

Emile Nawagamuwa, Commissioning Executive, UKTV, said: “The Davey family and crew are kings and queens of one of the last wild frontiers. Their epic adventure to Cape Carnage, led by charismatic skipper Bruce, really feels like the stuff of legend and I have been consistently amazed by the action John and the McAvoy Media team have brought to our screens. This bare-knuckle battle with nature, intrepid family, and jaw dropping scenery will keep U&Dave and U viewers gripped.”

"Grab a life jacket and get set for a wild ride.”

John McAvoy, CEO, McAvoy Media, said: “With millions of dollars on the line, Cape Carnage: Killer Catch is one of those rare series that has it all. The locations are mind blowing. The Daveys and their crew are captivating. The action is exhilarating. It’s a true triple threat. And our cameras caught every minute. Grab a life jacket and get set for a wild ride.”

Cape Carnage: Killer Catch will air on U&Dave and free streaming service U in April.

Picture caption: Tiger Davey with a prized Spanish mackerel.

Download here.

-ENDS-

For more information, please contact:

Yvette Dore, Corporate Communications Manager, UKTV

About UKTV

UKTV has been at the forefront of branded television for over 30 years, entertaining the nation with programmes they love. Its leading brands – U&Dave, U&DRAMA, U&W, U&YESTERDAY, U&eden, U&GOLD and U&alibi - span comedy, entertainment, natural history, factual and drama, and are delivered to UK viewers through free streaming service U, Sky, Virgin Media, NOW, Freeview, Freesat and Freely; and to Irish viewers through Sky, Virgin Media, Eir, Vodafone and NOW. Channel & content availability varies by platform. UKTV’s content is also available to UK viewers via dedicated FAST channels on Samsung TV Plus, Amazon Freevee, Pluto TV and Virgin Media. UKTV is a significant investor in British creativity and is committed to working with new and established writers, directors and programme-makers. The broadcaster is part of BBC Studios, the UK's most-awarded production company, a world-class distributor with international branded services, and a commercial subsidiary of the world's leading public service broadcaster, the BBC.

corporate.uktv.co.uk | press.uktv.co.uk | @uktvpress

About McAvoy Media

Founded in September 2014, McAvoy Media is an independent television production company based in Sydney. Led by CEO John McAvoy, one of Australia’s leading and award-winning television producers, McAvoy Media has secured a reputation as a trusted production partner and a passionate producer of Australian content.

Employing a team of both dedicated and experienced content makers, McAvoy Media’s slate represents a diverse range of factual entertainment, reality and observational documentary programming for Australian and international networks and global streaming platforms.

With a focus on the constant development of exciting and innovative new TV concepts, McAvoy Media is committed to telling great stories, unearthing compelling characters and continuing to create and produce content that will engage audiences worldwide.

mcavoymedia.com