Plans are afoot to help keep the Gold Coast film industry rolling once current international productions wrap.
The local industry is experiencing a boom with filming of the fifth Pirates of the Caribbean film currently underway.
But locals are concerned the jobs will dry up once the international production winds down.
To ease this concern, Screen Queensland is offering increased finance to local productions as an incentive.
From July 1, Screen Queensland will increase its maximum investment grants to eligible films from $650,000 to $750,000 with an extra $100,000 for long-term projects.
Screen Queensland’s head of production and development Jo Dillon says they want to use the extra money to help grow skills and opportunities.
“We’re hoping that what that’s going to mean is that we get projects that have a little bit more ambition,” she has told ABC Gold Coast’s Bern Young.
She says they want to see more long-term television series filmed on the coast.
“Those are the types of shows that keep people working,” she said.
“Consistent television production in particular is something that I think is going to lead to that flow-on of jobs and upskilling.”
They hope the Gold Coast’s high standards, skilled workers and great locales will make it a first choice for international filmmakers.
“Some of the shows that have been generated out of Queensland are already selling overseas in America,” she said.
To find out more about the film grants, visit the Screen Queensland website.
http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2015/05/04/4228896.htm
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