Think of screen production in Queensland and the first titles likely to spring mind are Hollywood blockbusters: Aquaman, Thor: Ragnarok, Kong: Skull Island, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, San Andreas and the upcoming Dora The Explorer.
The Queensland sell for overseas producers is perhaps obvious: good weather, a diversity of locations, studio space and experienced crew. In recent months, the Queensland state government has been noisy in advocating for a permanent increase to the Location Offset, having forked out the cash to lure Dora itself.
Yet Screen Queensland CEO Tracey Vieira is keen to break down the misconception that Queensland is just a state for foreign production, pointing out to IF last year that of the 37 productions that shot in the state in 2016-17, only four were international.
Among the Queensland production companies kicking goals is Brisbane’s Hoodlum, with Netflix’s first standalone Australian commission in Tidelands, and a recent greenlight for a second season of Harrow.
Another as yet untitled Netflix production featuring Chris Lilley has also made Queensland its home, and other recent/upcoming productions from the state include Danger Close, Grace Beside Me, The Second, The Family Law (Season 3), The Bureau of Magical Things, and Chinese co-pro At Last.
The state is also keen to lure more domestic television production, with a range of production company heads recently flown to the Gold Coast during the Commonwealth Games as part of a trade delegation to discuss potential business opportunities as well as the barriers to shooting TV in Queensland.
At the event, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she was looking to secure additional studio space in Brisbane, and following discussions with studio executives in The States, is keen to grow the visual effects capacity in the state, building on the work of existing players like Cutting Edge.
IF Magazine #183 will take a comprehensive look at production in Queensland, examining the state’s incentives, talent, locations, infrastructure and services. We’ll answer all your questions about why you should bring your production to the Sunshine State.
Email editorial submissions to Jackie Keast: jkeast@www.if.com.au
Advertising enquiries to Cameron Boon: cboon@intermedia.com.au