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Gold Coast in the film industry spotlight

[Press Release by PFTC]

Queensland is set to star on the international film stage as three major industry events kick off on the Gold Coast this week.

Arts Minister Rod Welford today welcomed delegates to Queensland for the Asia Pacific Screen Awards (tonight), the 23rd Annual Screen Producers Association of Australia (SPAA) conference (12-14 November) and the star-studded Inside Film Awards (13 November).

“This is a huge week in the international film industry calendar and a great opportunity to increase Queensland’s profile in the world arena,” Mr Welford said.

“Queensland has had the honour of hosting the SPAA conference, Australia’s premier business and networking event for film, television and new media, for five consecutive years with Pacific Film and Television Commission (PFTC) as principal sponsor.

“Queensland producers will be among more than 600 Australian and international film industry leaders attending the conference for pitching opportunities, workshops, and panel discussions.”

“This year’s SPAA will focus on the practical application of Screen Australia’s funding initiatives, in particular the Producer Offset, and the ways in which producers can embrace new media platforms.

“There will also be discussions around the business of making children’s television, which is a key growth area and one of Queensland’s strong suits.”

High-profile international guests, including keynote speaker and world-renowned new media pioneer Chris Adams, will address conference delegates on all aspects of producing, creating, distributing and financing screen content.
Mr Welford said hosting the SPAA conference on the Gold Coast since 2004 has delivered significant benefits to the local industry.

“SPAA has showcased Queensland’s strength as a production centre; bolstered Queensland’s production and investment; and enabled local producers to participate without prohibitive travel costs,” he said.

“Queensland now has a solid documentary sector, a consistent slate of interstate television production, success in new media, a strong track record for international production attraction and a growing reputation for home-grown feature film production.”