Eumundi Voice - Issue 106, 14 November 2024

ENTERTAINMENT

Exciting future for local film industry

A cultural Olympiad on the Sunshine Coast to complement the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games? A thriving film, TV and digital games industry attracting a global audience? Funding already available to unlock opportunities for emerging filmmakers, crews, scriptwriters, actors, producers and directors willing to tell our stories in our incredible locations?

It isn't wishful dreaming. It’s already happening, as the Sunshine Coast strives to be a leading force in the film industry.

The 3rd annual Sunshine Coast Screen Collective Summit attracted a huge attendance this month at the Maroochydore RSL.

Actor Lincoln Lewis urged more people to get involved saying, “We already have some outstanding films made here with many more

underway. The exciting plans from the Summit along with the help readily available will see us rival the Gold Coast. We already have so much talent and just need a studio.”

SCC Mayor Rosanna Natoli – who has three decades of TV experience – spoke excitedly about the council’s full support for the screen industry.

“The energy that is so creative on the Sunshine Coast drives the passion which will see us attract world attention. The eyes of the world being on us, leading up to the Olympics and the legacy afterwards, is the biggest opportunity for generations,” said Rosanna.

Jacqui Feeney CEO of Screen Queensland said, “It’s not just our beautiful locations but the richness of our stories which need telling. Opportunities are now available to get these onto screen, not just for film and TV but also digital gaming, which is the future market for many emerging talents.”

The Sunshine Coast University’s Digital Games Summit on 17 November will also encourage creative and online publishing. The SCC’s new head of Economic Development Chris LeServe said, “Exciting future opportunities include providing talented film crews who are essential in the industry.”

The screen industry in 2023 added $1.2B to Australia's economy with $700M coming from Qld with a 30% share of national production.

The Sunshine Coast Screen Collective hopes to get a huge share in the future with a production hub based right here on the Sunshine Coast.