QUEENSLAND THRILLER TO PREMIERE IN AUSTRALIA

The creativity of Queensland’s film industry will be showcased with the highly-anticipated Australian premiere of Queensland film Daybreakers on 4 February, Premier and Minister for the Arts Anna Bligh said.

“Written and directed by Brisbane brothers Michael and Peter Spierig, filmed in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast in 2007, and produced by Queenslanders Chris Brown and Todd Fellman, Daybreakers is an example of Queensland’s outstanding creative capabilities in the screen industry,” Ms Bligh said.

“The film received almost $1 million from the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland, in turn generating over $27 million for the Queensland economy and creating 564 jobs.

“Daybreakers opened in the US in January and is no doubt set to repeat its success when it opens in Australia.

“At present there is in excess of $37 million worth of production supported by my government filming in Queensland, providing approximately $70 million in flow-on economic activity and creating approximately 1400 jobs.

Daybreakers’ Line producer Todd Fellman said the support of the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland was vital to the project.

“Screen Queensland was an invaluable partner every step of the way, from development through to production,” he said. “In particular, support in the early stages for promotional materials and marketing was a key factor enabling us to secure cast and financing.”

Screen Queensland CEO Maureen Barron said Daybreakers helped demonstrate the strength of Queensland as both a location and creative source for productions.

“This film plays an important role in promoting the strength of the practitioners who make up Queensland’s vibrant and successful industry, aside from the financial benefits it delivers to Queensland” Ms Barron said.

“It illustrates what can be achieved when Queensland practitioners come together to forge partnerships and work towards a common goal.”

“The release of Daybreakers comes at a time when the Queensland screen industry boasts a healthy slate of productions including Sea Patrol 4, Elephant Princess 2 and 3D suspense movie Sanctum, which has Avatar’s James Cameron as executive producer.”

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