<P> The series was originally intended as a co-production with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation . But after American - born Elisabeth Moss was cast, the network pulled their funding before production began, citing a prior agreement to put an Australian actress in the lead . Australian - based channel UKTV, owned by BBC Worldwide, filled the funding gap left by the ABC . Philippa Campbell was the New Zealand - based producer . </P> <P> Filming took 18 weeks and was shot entirely on location in Queenstown and Glenorchy, in Otago, on the South Island of New Zealand . While Queenstown is referred to during the series, Glenorchy doubles as the fictitious town of Laketop . The scenes in the women's commune were filmed at Moke Lake . </P> <P> In early 2013, co-creator Jane Campion said that Top of the Lake comes to a distinct ending, and there would be no additional series . Despite this, it was announced in October 2014 that the series had been renewed for a second season . China Girl began shooting on location in Sydney, Australia in December 2015 . </P> <P> Campion returned as co-writer and co-director . Gerard Lee returned as co-writer . The original co-director, Garth Davis, was replaced by Ariel Kleiman due to scheduling conflicts . Philippa Campbell returned as producer . Actress Nicole Kidman joined the cast for China Girl, which is the second time she has worked with Campion . Kidman "plays an Australian mother, Julia, whose story dovetails with that of Detective Robin Griffin", played by Elisabeth Moss . Christie, a fan of Campion's The Piano, joined the cast after sending a letter through a mutual friend . </P>

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