Palaszczuk Government grows FNQ screen industry and jobs

The potential for Far North Queensland to develop as a screen hub is the focus of new initiatives announced today by Premier and Arts Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk. 

“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,” the Premier said.

“As an important step in growing our statewide screen industry, my Government is bringing new initiatives to Far North Queensland to strengthen opportunities, networks, local creative skills and new projects.

“Screen Queensland is dedicating additional resources to Far North Queensland with a staff presence in Cairns to engage with the industry and promote the range of Screen Queensland programs and services available.

“Screen Queensland will also continue to engage with the Cairns Regional Council on strategies to attract more screen production to the region.

“The new initiatives are another important step in growing a statewide screen industry and furthering my commitment to grow opportunities in regional Queensland.

“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 CEO Tracey Vieira said: “This additional engagement will build on Screen Queensland’s work in the region to further develop Far North Queensland as a screen production location.”

She said the Screen Queensland staff member would work from the Centre of Contemporary Arts Cairns and be available for industry member meetings from 6 September.

“Regional film industry specialist Screenworks will also be engaged to work with local creatives and industry members on developing more opportunities for screen production.

Ms Vieira said Far North Queensland was home to many experienced local practitioners across television, feature films and underwater series.

“Screenworks will begin work next month with local industry members to identify current and upcoming opportunities and make recommendations on future initiatives and programs for Far North Queensland.”

“Cairns Regional Council is also a film-friendly council and Screen Queensland will continue to engage with them to attract production to the region,” she said.

“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.”

From next week Screen Queensland staff member, Rowena Billard will be available to meet with industry at the Centre of Contemporary Arts in Cairns. For an appointment email: rbillard@screenqld.com.au or call 3248 0500.

Media contact: Susan McGrady 0488 996 667