By Sonia Isaacs
A new report propels the region as a viable screen industry hub
A NEW report outlining the current state of play for the emerging Sunshine Coast screen production industry has been released, with industry advocates welcoming plans to propel the region as a viable creative hub.
Commissioned by Sunshine Coast Council, in partnership with the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and the Sunshine Coast Screen Collective; the 90 page report ‘Screen production on the Sunshine Coast’ is the culmination of 12 months of research.
Industry advocates hope the study will provide a baseline blueprint to springboard a viable strategic direction required to foster future growth in the local screen industry.
With national screen production currently worth an estimated $2.439 billion in annual revenue, the potential economic and cultural benefit from a booming local film industry is undoubtedly attractive. Council has recognised the potential, and identified the film and television industry as having an emerging high-value.
Mayor Mark Jamieson, said the study highlighted the diversity of film locations and wealth of talent available on the Sunshine Coast, and the undeniable potential of the region as an ideal location for screen productions.
“The report provided goalposts to help shape the region as a creative screen hub. Beyond the economic benefits, Council recognises the profound cultural advantages a thriving screen industry can bring through cross-collaboration and innovation,” Mayor Jamieson said.
Mooloolah Filmmaker, Tanya Modini, attended the report launch at the November Sunshine Coast Screen Summit and said she was heartened to see greater interest, support and investment in the local production industry. She said around 90 people attended the industry event that included Screen Queensland CEO, Jacqui Feeney as guest panellist. She said it would be excellent for creatives to have a supported and sustainable industry here on the Sunshine Coast.
“It would be so good to continue to build and boost our creative networks and become more unified as a local industry. There is nothing to stop our film production and local industry eventually rivalling the Gold Coast,” Ms Modini said.
Industry advocate and Sunny Coast Showdown founder, Jon Coghill, said while the industry was still in an emerging stage, the study provided a great road map for both industry and Council about what to do next. He said a key report recommendation that Council engage a film liaison officer was a great idea and said the more productions that could be attracted to and subsequently produced and filmed on the Coast the better. He said there was a definite feeling of enthusiasm and optimism in the industry.
“Having the CEO of Screen Queensland attend the summit was a beacon of hope and certainly boosted local industry morale,” Mr Coghill said.
The Sunny Coast Showdown Screen Showcase will return in 2024 with entries opening from January for local screenwriters, filmmakers and crew to produce and deliver local projects.
