Future planning for the Northern Territory screen industry is underway with the first step exploring a vision for the industry over the next 10 years.
Northern Territory Film Office (NTFO) Director Penelope McDonald said the future of our screen industry in the Northern Territory will be the focus of meetings in Alice Springs and Darwin with a steering committee established to oversee the process.
“The committee, chaired by Brian Rosen, an experienced film and television producer with credits including Ferngully – the Last Rainforest, James and the Giant Peach and the Territory based feature film We of the Never Never, will work closely with consultant Doug Macnamara, Principal of the International Institute for TV-Media Leadership,” Ms McDonald said.
“This is the beginning of a visioning and strategic planning process, working with the screen media and associated industries to develop a long term plan towards sustainability with creative and commercial success.
“The steering committee members include local cinematographers, directors, producers, editors and other screen media stakeholders from Alice Springs and Darwin, as well as Northern Territory Government representatives,” Ms McDonald said.
“The aim of the visioning is to review the capability and vision of the Territory screen industry and to develop a shared long term industry plan, with the meetings to focus on exploring linkages with other creative industries and information technology to help identify opportunities and needs for the development of the industry.
“With Territorians eagerly awaiting the release of films such as Australia and Balibo – two films that feature many Territory locations – and a number of locally developed stories being conceived and made in the Territory, the Territory screen industry is growing from strength to strength.
“There is no better time than now to plan for the future success of the Territory screen industry.”
The recommendations of the steering committee and the consultant will inform both the industry and the Northern Territory Government in developing program strategies and priorities for screen industry development and investment.
The process will include an opportunity for those working or interested in the screen media industry to respond to proposals and to make submissions.
For further detail go to www.filmoffice.nt.gov.au