Queensland’s screen industry is one of the nation’s strongest according to a survey by the Australian Film Commission (AFC).
Arts Minister Rod Welford said the AFC’s National Production Survey of feature film and television drama production for 2006-07 showed Queensland vying with Victoria for second place, after New South Wales.
‘It’s been a bumper year for film and television production in Queensland,’ Mr Welford said.
‘The Queensland feature film and television drama slate totalled $146 million in the 2006-07 financial year. That’s just below Victoria’s total of $150 million, and almost triple the previous year, which is quite an achievement.’
‘We’re punching well above our weight considering that Victoria and New South Wales have considerably more production companies than Queensland.
‘We’ve welcomed many international films to Queensland in recent times and the quality of these productions is really putting our state on the world stage.
‘However, what I’m particularly proud of is the level of production that has been locally grown and made here.
‘Production activity generated specifically by Queensland-based companies increased significantly in 2006-07 to $17 million, which is well above our five-year average of $9 million.
‘Of the 24 Australian feature films made last financial year, four were shot in Queensland: Acolytes, Australia, How To Change In Nine Weeks and Unfinished Sky.
‘Three of those were generated by local companies.
‘This level of local production is unprecedented and is a real breakthrough for the Queensland industry.
‘It’s also a validation of our strategy to support filmmakers who have the necessary creative, marketing and financing skills to make things happen.’
The survey also showed Queensland was at the forefront of children’s television production. Of the nine children’s series made in Australia, three (Animalia, H2O: Just Add Water and FarmKids) were locally produced.
[release from the PFTC]