Production boom set to continue for Queensland's film industry

Queensland’s record-breaking local film and television production levels in 2007 look set to continue with three home-grown projects getting the green light for production.

Arts Minister Rod Welford said the feature films Triangle and The Boys are Back in Town, as well as the documentary Salt would be filmed in Queensland next year with funding from the Pacific Film and Television Commission (PFTC) and the Film Finance Corporation (FFC).

“We have a wealth of creative talent here in Queensland and these productions signal further growth of the state’s local film and television industry,” Mr Welford said.

“For 2007-08 there is already $118.2 million worth of production confirmed in Queensland, which will generate economic activity of about $212.7 million and create more than 3600 jobs.

“These productions will provide valuable employment and training opportunities for Queensland’s talented cast and crew.”

Mr Welford said Triangle, a psychological thriller set in the Bermuda Triangle, was a major co-production between Queensland producer Chris Brown, of Paradise in Pictures, and UK company Dan Films.

“With a budget of $18 million, Triangle will be one of the first projects to utilise the new producer offset rebate introduced earlier this year. The film will be distributed worldwide by Icon Films,” he said.

Comic drama The Boys are Back in Town is a big budget Australian-British co-production from local producers Greg Brenman (Billy Elliot) and Tim White (Gettin’ Square).

“This feature film will draw yet another international star to Queensland, with Clive Owen due to arrive in April to start shooting,” Mr Welford said.

Salt is a 30-minute documentary from Michael Angus, of Mt Tamborine’s Jerrycan Films, which follows photo artist Murray Fredericks on his solo pilgrimage to Lake Eyre. It will be seen on the ABC and is the first project to secure finance through the FFC’s Special Documentary Fund.

Mr Welford said he was pleased to see Queensland production companies coming into their own, with back-to-back projects on the slate.

“Chris Brown’s company Pictures in Paradise is still in post-production with the vampire feature film Daybreakers which is due for release next April. So it’s encouraging to see them already heading into production on their next project Triangle,” he said.

Media contact: Emma Clarey on 3237 1000 or 0417 791 336