Eleven established and emerging Queensland documentary makers will attend the 2008 Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) in Western Australia this week.
Arts Minister Rod Welford said the conference, from February 20-22, presented tangible career development and networking opportunities for Queensland documentary makers.
‘The Pacific Film and Television Commission’s (PFTC) Interstate Marketing Scheme enables our talented filmmakers to attend industry events and conferences such as the AIDC, where they can build key relationships and develop their careers,’ Mr Welford said.
‘Queensland has a thriving documentary sector with local factual filmmakers producing fascinating content with strong market demand in a highly competitive industry.
‘In the past 12 months we have produced a raft of highly successful documentaries, including the multi-award winning Nigger Lovers, Chopper Rescue and Over My Dead Body.
‘The AIDC will present opportunities for our documentary makers to engage with industry peers, financiers, influential content buyers and network executives and gain valuable skills and insight into growing viable production companies at home.’
A key event on the documentary circuit, AIDC brings industry delegates from around the world to Fremantle for three intensive days of master classes, discussion panels, networking opportunities and pitching competitions.
Queenslanders attending AIDC 2008 are – Carlos Alperin (Galloping Films), Michael Angus and Sue Swinburne (Jerrycan Films), Vicki Gest (Vizpoets), Sally McKenzie (Coalface Communications), Lin Sutherland (Below h2o Productions), Randall Wood (Global Story), Veronica Fury and Melissa Hines (Fury Productions), Larry Zetlin (Gulliver Media) and independent director Jan Cattoni.
PFTC’s Head of Production Henry Tefay will accompany the Queensland contingent to AIDC and facilitate meetings to maximise market opportunities for home-grown projects.
‘I urge those attending to seize all opportunities at the conference to strengthen our local industry,’ Mr Tefay said.
This year’s conference will focus on the art of storytelling, new forms of digital distribution and industry shifts including the creation of Screen Australia and the new producer offset.
[release from the PFTC]