Film and television heavyweights gather on Gold Coast

The heavyweights of Australia’s film and television industry will be on the Gold Coast this week for the annual conference of screen producers and the presentation of awards for this year’s most popular films.

Arts Minister, Rod Welford, today welcomed delegates to the Screen Producers Association of Australia (SPAA) Conference on the Gold Coast for discussions about the state of the film and television industry.

“The industry in Queensland is currently experiencing a robust period with a record number of projects either in pre-production or full-scale production,” Mr Welford said.

“To be able to complement this vibrant production period with some vigorous debate and discussion about the future of the Australian film and television industry is a wonderful opportunity.

“The spotlight will continue to shine on Queensland with the Inside Film Awards forming the conference’s closing night on 17 November.”

The SPAA Conference is the major forum for the key players in the Australian film and television industry and is the largest event of its kind in the country.

The theme of this year’s conference focuses on taking Australian stories to the global market.

“This year the conference celebrates its 21^st birthday and I can’t think of a more appropriate theme for this ‘coming of age’ conference,” Mr Welford said.

“This is particularly relevant in Queensland where production is stronger than ever with a range of local, national and international productions on the slate.

“The local industry is going from strength to strength and importantly home-grown writers, producers and directors are spearheading this boom.”

The SPAA Conference program includes a mix of interviews, panel discussions, screenings, workshops and social events with opportunities for business development and networking.

Conference speakers include Cathy Schulman producer of the Academy Award-winning film Crash, media mogul Todd Wagner, ABC’s new Director of Television Kim Dalton and SBSi General Manager Ned Lander.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000 or 0419 734 985