Initiative provides support to bring regional film opportunities to life
The idyllic surrounds of TNQ, its natural beauty and wildlife make it a spectacular and natural destination to shoot television shows, movie blockbusters and documentaries.
Already, TNQ locations have starred on the big screen in movies such as Fool’s Gold and The Thin Red Line, as well as Australian television productions The Straits and Mabo.
And from next week, Screen Queensland will dedicate additional resources to TNQ with a staff presence in Cairns to engage with the industry and promote the range of Screen Queensland programs and services available.
It will help build on successful work done in the past with Screen Queensland chief executive Tracey Vieira saying it will allow TNQ to further develop its reputation as a screen production location.
“Tropical North Queensland is home to many experienced local practitioners across television, feature films and underwater series,” she said.
"Regional film industry specialist Screenworks will also be engaged to work with local creatives and industry members on developing more opportunities for screen production
“Screenworks will work with local industry members to identify current and upcoming opportunities and make recommendations on future initiatives and programs for TNQ.
“Cairns Regional Council is also a film-friendly council and Screen Queensland will continue to engage with them to attract production to the region.
FUNDING SUPPORTS EVENTS
“Screen Queensland’s Screen Culture funding also supports film festivals and events in the region to support the local screen culture, including the Travelling Film Festival, Flickerfest, the Animation Alliance, and the Monster Fest Travelling SideShow in Cairns and the Port Shorts Film Festival in Port Douglas.”
The Screen Queensland presence in TNQ is part of a broader range of initiatives from the State Government to help the region develop as a screen hub.
“Queensland continues to be a destination of choice for domestic and international screen production, and I am committed to bringing more productions to locations throughout the state,” Premier and Arts Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said.
FOCUS ON REGIONAL FILMING
“As an important step in growing our state-wide screen industry, my Government is bringing new initiatives to TNQ to strengthen opportunities, networks, local creative skills and new projects.
“My Government has already supported a number of recent productions shot in Far North Queensland, including the documentaries Great Barrier Reef 3D and Wik vs Queensland and television series Blue Water Empire and The Code.
“The initiative Straight out of the Straits, an Australian-first partnership between Screen Queensland, Screen Australia and ABC iView, is funding two new factual web series from the Torres Strait Islands.”
Screen Queensland staff member Rowena Billard is available to meet with industry representatives at the Centre of Contemporary Arts in Cairns from next week. For an appointment, email: [email protected] or call 3248 0500.
