Screen industry jobs bonanza with three major productions filming in Queensland

Stars of movie and screen have descended on Queensland as filming begins on two major productions on top of a third production well underway.

The Premier said hot off the press that blockbuster Godzilla vs. Kong had started filming on the Gold Coast last week, a major international crime drama starts filming this week.

“ABC Studios International’s crime drama Reef Break starring Australian-born Poppy Montgomery has started filming at Village Roadshow Studios as well as on location on the Gold Coast,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“As well as Reef Break and Godzilla vs. Kong, there’s also Queensland-made crime drama Harrow, produced by Hoodlum Entertainment and supported by the Queensland Government, which is filming its second series in Brisbane.

“History, as well as television and movie magic is being made right here in Queensland.

“Never before has there been so much action happening in Queensland’s screen industry, it’s unprecedented.

“This means jobs for our local screen industry, money going back into the local economy and Queensland being showcased to the world."

The Premier said she met with Disney who owns ABC Studios International on her trade mission last June.

"We've been in close negotiations since," the Premier said.

“Reef Break will employ 75 per cent Queensland crew along and opportunities for our local people to upskill and create meaningful career pathways.

“Reef Break will spend approximately $41 million directly in Queensland.”

The Premier said her government had secured the productions through Screen Queensland and the Production Attraction Strategy.

“We are experiencing back-to-back production in Queensland as we continue to work hard and build-on our state’s brand equity when it comes to delivering world-class screen content for global audiences.

“By securing these productions and ensuring a consistent pipeline of production, we are creating ongoing employment for our local crew and creative talent.”

About Reef Break

Reef Break is based on an idea of Poppy Montgomery along with writer Ken Sanzel. It centres around the main character Cat Chambers (Poppy Montgomery), a thief-turned-fixer for the governor of a stunning and seductive Pacific Island paradise. 

The series is Disney’s international production division’s second global commission after the Queensland-made crime drama Harrow, produced by Hoodlum Entertainment and supported by the Queensland Government, which is currently filming its second series in Brisbane.

Reef Break will air on the ABC Network in the U.S. as well as M6 in France.

More information on Godzilla vs. Kong - http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2019/1/18/lights-camera-action-godzilla-vs-kong-starts-filming-in-queensland

More information on Harrow – http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2018/6/6/queensland-government-backing-second-season-of-acclaimed-drama-series-harrow

ENDS

Media contact: Zoe Russell – 0439 982 347