The title of Episode 4 of this Australian television mini-series, which shot in South Australia, is 'Black And White'. This episode shares the same name as an earlier unrelated South Australian theatrical feature film that had premiered about five years earlier in 2002 [See: 'Black and White' (2002)].
The actual setting for this mini-series has an annual rainfall of around 250 millimeters or 10 inches. Within sight of this place, twenty minutes driving time away, the rainfall is rarely less than 875 millimeters or 35 inches. The dramatic difference in the permanent climate of the two regions is caused by a local rain shadow effect. The farming practices in the rain shadow district are driven by an austere long term view, with a drought-conscious approach. Once farmers became aware of the long term weather patterns in the area, the small towns and settlements in the district never developed beyond their 19th century origins. The farms mostly remain in the hands of the same hard-working German immigrant families to this day.
The series was filmed in the dry south-east countryside of South Australia in a region which is a natural rain shadow. Official publicity for this Australian television mini-series reported: "Rain Shadow is being filmed in a 'rain shadow' on the west side of the Adelaide Hills in South Australia. The landscape, the dirt, dust, and dying lands are all a true reflection of a rural community affected by the drought and the meteorological phenomenon."
This Australian TV mini-series was produced by Southern Star Entertainment in association with the South Australian Film Corporation.
This Australian television mini-series was developed and produced in association with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.