Screenworks to deliver workshops and events in North Queensland regional program

Screen Queensland is partnering with specialist regional organisation Screenworks to deliver a full program of workshops, events, and initiatives as part of its North Queensland Regional Program.

This new program of skills development and initiatives will work alongside the anticipated opening, in mid-2022, of the Screen Queensland Studios, Cairns, an exciting new creative hub for content creators and screen practitioners from the region.

With a total investment of $675,000 over three years, Screenworks will be engaged to deliver a range of industry development and up-skilling opportunities to further strengthen the burgeoning screen sector in Far North and North Queensland. 

Investment in the North Queensland Regional Program was announced by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk in June, as part of the $71 million funding boost for the state’s screen industry. 

Screenworks Chief Executive Ken Crouch said the organisation was primed to deliver further expansion in North Queensland and to support the many diverse and talented storytellers based in the region and advised “Screenworks has been supporting and developing the screen industry and its talent across regional Australia for more than 20 years, and specifically in North Queensland since 2017.

“We’re very excited to partner with Screen Queensland and the local industry to implement this new program and to further grow the screen skills and production capacity of the region.

“It will also be a great opportunity to create a long-term presence in North Queensland by employing local Screenworks staff and further developing partnerships in the region.”

Screen Queensland Chief Creative Officer Jo Dillon commended Australia’s peak regional screen industry group Screenworks on a competitive tender, following the company’s success in delivering the workshops and production initiatives for the Far North Queensland Screen Production Strategic Plan program. 

Dillon noted “Screenworks presented a highly compelling proposal, based on their depth of expertise and a strong track record in delivering programs for regional practitioners around the country.  We are delighted to partner with Screenworks again to help foster local talent and content creation in the region, and grow career opportunities in the north of the state..”

As part of the North Queensland Regional Program, Screenworks will employ a local Project Coordinator to focus on the delivery of the events, programs and activities over the next three years. The position is currently open for applications via Screenworks’ website.

Screen Queensland has also reinvigorated the Regional Incentive with new guidelines, to support sector growth, widen access and attract more productions into the region. The incentive is for 10% of qualifying Queensland Regional Expenditure capped at $100,000 or, when used in conjunction with SQ’s Screen Finance Program, an additional 5% of QRE capped at $100,000.

For more information about Screen Queensland’s initiatives and to sign up for updates on the North Queensland Regional Program, visit screenqueensland.com.au.

Image: On location in Far North Queensland filming teen mystery series Dive Club by The Steve Jaggi Company, on Netflix now.