New guide aims to reap rewards of region's locations
Date published: 30 November 2016
Castle Hill, The Strand, Paluma or Hervey Range could be the setting for the next movie blockbuster thanks to a new initiative to be launched in Townsville tonight.
The Townsville North Queensland Screen Locations Guide offers a one-stop-shop to the region’s diverse locations as well as talent, equipment, education and support services available.
Developed by Townsville City Council in combination with neighbouring regional council and with a grant from the Regional Arts Development Fund, the book features stunning photographs of the region’s ionic locations.
The guide is targeted at national and international location scouts to promote the diverse locations and experiences available right here in our own backyard.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the city already had credentials when it came to the film industry with several feature films dating back to 1969’s The Age of Consent choosing Townsville and North Queensland as a film location.
“Townsville City Council is committed to the growth of the film industry for the provision of money-can’t-buy exposure for our region as well as the economic potential such a project can bring,” Cr Hill said.
“We are blessed with an incredible variety of locations but we are also ready and willing to collaborate in partnership with our neighbouring councils to present a solid regional product.
The book is backed by a locations gallery housed on council’s website and supported by Screen Queensland that provided input and feedback into the guide.
“Importantly, this guide and the website behind it, is just the beginning. The message to location scouts and producers is that not only do we have amazing locations, we also have the skills, facilities and equipment needed.”
Films featuring North Queensland include:
- The Age of Consent, 1969 with Helen Mirren and James Mason
- The Irish Man, 1978 with Michael Craig
- Dawn, 1979
- The Naked Country, 1985
- Nim’s Island, 2008 with Jodie Foster
- Beneath Hill 60, 2010
- Breaker Morant: The Retrial, 2013
The Townsville North Queensland Screen Location’s Guide will be launched to an invite-only audience at the Museum of Tropical Queensland from 6.30pm tonight. International actor Andy McPhee and Screen Queensland’s Neil McGregor will be special guests.
