Screen industry brings boost to region’s economic and cultural development
By Sonia Isaacs
THE Glasshouse Mountains are set to captivate global audiences this month with the release of Black Snow 2, the second season of the acclaimed Stan original detective drama. Premiering on New Year’s Day, the six-part series stars Travis Fimmel (Boy Swallows Universe, Vikings) as Detective James Cormack, unravelling the mysterious disappearance of a young woman from her 21st birthday party in 2003.
Filmed amongst the iconic hinterland, the new season builds on the success of its predecessor, which earned a Logie nomination and two AACTA Award nods for Fimmel.
Producer Rosemary Blight praised the Glasshouse Mountains’ cinematic allure.
“Once we discovered the Glass House Mountains, we knew we had found the heart of the story for Black Snow 2,” Ms Blight said.
“Their commanding presence provided a powerful backdrop for season two’s compelling story.”
The production brought significant economic benefits to the region, employing over 90 cast and crew members and booking 11 accommodation properties across the Glass House Mountains, Maleny, and Caloundra.
Steve Ralph of Glass House Mountains Caravan and Camping Grounds praised the team’s professionalism during their stay. “We had over 200 people involved in the production on site for three days. It was a big, professionally organised setup with catering vans, generators, and ablution blocks,” Mr Ralph said.
“They were friendly, courteous, and left the grounds spotless.”
Mr Ralph added the excitement of hosting a major production drew attention from locals eager for a glimpse of the star. “As you can imagine, I had a few friends drop by hoping to see the star,” he joked.
Key scenes were filmed at locations including Mt Beerwah Road, Wild Horse Mountain Scenic Lookout, and the Glass House Mountains Cultural Heritage Centre.
Sunshine Coast Mayor, Rosanna Natoli, highlighted the economic and cultural benefits of the screen industry.
“The continued growth of a vibrant screen industry brings significant benefits to tourism, arts, and culture,” Mayor Natoli said.
“Our diverse locations and local talent make the Sunshine Coast an ideal film production destination.”
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO, Matt Stoeckel, praised the region’s natural appeal.
“Black Snow 2 showcases that the Sunshine Coast’s beauty extends beyond our pristine beaches, highlighting our potential as an ideal screen destination,” Mr Stoeckel said.
Sunshine Coast Screen Collective president, David Edgar, underlined the region’s growing influence in the screen industry.
“With skilled professionals, diverse locations, and emerging infrastructure, the Sunshine Coast has all the ingredients to capture a larger share of Queensland’s screen industry market,” Mr Edgar said.
sonia@gcnews.com.au