QUEENSLAND PRODUCTIONS TAKE OUT HONOURS AT AFI AWARDS

Four productions shot in Queensland have been honoured with nine awards at this year’s AFI Awards, recognising the quality of film and television production in the state.

Arts Minister, Rod Welford, congratulated the individual winners and the productions’ creative teams on their success at the country’s oldest and most prestigious film and television awards.

“This is a wonderful acknowledgement of the excellence of the films, documentaries and television series that are being shot in Queensland,” Mr Welford said.

“Our state is attracting high quality productions to Queensland because of the reputable cast and crew available here, our world-class studio facilities, amazing array of locations and competitive incentives.

“With so much production currently happening around the state, I look forward to seeing Queensland featuring highly in the awards again next year.”

Productions made in Queensland with assistance from the Government’s Pacific Film and Television Commission (PFTC) garnered 21 nominations in the AFI Awards this year.

“The film and television industry provides valuable jobs and economic growth for our state, but it is equally important that productions backed by our Government are recognised for their artistic and technical expertise,” Mr Welford said.

Mini-series RAN (Remote Area Nurse) shot in the Torres Strait received three awards, including Best Telefeature or Mini Series and Best Lead Actress in a Television Drama for Susie Porter.

The Gold Coast-based children’s television series Mortified picked up awards for Best Children’s Television Drama and the Young Actor Award for Marny Kennedy.

Mini-series Answered by Fire, also shot on the Gold Coast, received awards for Best Lead Actor in a Television Drama for David Wenham and Best Direction in Television.

Documentary Raul the Terrible was awarded for its direction and editing.

A full list of Queensland production winners is attached.

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

AFI Awards for Queensland-based productions

Young Actor Award
Marny Kennedy - Mortified (Nine Network)

Best Children’s Television Drama
Mortified – Phillip Bowman & Bernadette O’Mahony (Nine Network)

Best Telefeature or Mini Series
RAN – Penny Chapman (SBS)

Best Direction in Television
Answered by Fire – Jessica Hobbs (ABC)

Best Screenplay in Television
RAN Ep. 5 – Sue Smith (SBS)

Best Lead Actor in Television Drama
David Wenham – Answered by Fire (ABC)

Best Lead Actress in Television Drama
Susie Porter – RAN (SBS)

Best Direction in a Documentary
Raul the Terrible – David Bradbury

Best Editing in a Documentary
Raul the Terrible – Stewart Young ASE