Screen Queensland today announced the six companies to receive funding under the agency’s new Enterprise Queensland Program.
The recipients are Ludo Studio, Essential Media and Entertainment, Bunya Productions, Matchbox Pictures, Two Little Indians and Hoodlum.
“The Enterprise Queensland Program is an important part of our long-term commitment to assist in the development and creation of a sustainable screen sector which can achieve significant and beneficial economic, cultural and social outcomes for Queensland,” said Screen Queensland CEO Tracey Vieira.
“The program is designed to stimulate a strong screen community that prioritises strong returns on investment, build commercial and entrepreneurial capacity and help screen businesses achieve sustainable long-term growth.
“It will enable our state to become more competitive in the global screen marketplace and in turn attract increased levels of private investment and marketplace attachments.”
The architects behind the Enterprise Queensland Program have built a program to support Queensland-based enterprises and attract new and successful businesses to Queensland who will stimulate economic activity and who have a proven track record in producing any combination of feature film, TV drama and series, documentary or factual programming.
Grants of up to $150,000 per annum over two years ending June 30 2015 and June 30 2016 will be provided to local and interstate companies that develop and expand their businesses in revenues, jobs, capabilities, investment and the cultural footprint they leave on screen.
Vieira added, “The Enterprise Queensland recipients have developed a range of company specific strands that will focus on innovative and risk-taking projects such as the creation of original IP through high-level writing initiatives, and new business development models to extend the capacities of the industry.
“The uniqueness of our business is that benefits granted to these companies will have a positive impact on the entire industry. We need an industry that is agile, prepared for the changes that are upon us, while drawing on the enduring skills of creative vision, craft and an ability to reach audiences.
“In order to continue Queensland’s growth trajectory in screen production, we need to grow our industry base in ways of traditional bricks and mortar enterprises plus digital expansion into the digital and multiplatform space. This will be achieved by the Enterprise Queensland Program.”
A panel of industry and Screen Queensland representatives assessed each proposal against the strength of the business plan, track record, slate of projects, resources of the applicant and estimated Queensland Production Expenditure.