Advance Queensland Screen Industry 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan QUEENSLAND’S SCREEN INDUSTRY

SCREEN INDUSTRY 10‑YEAR ROADMAP AND ACTION PLAN Contents

Foreword...... 1

Our vision...... 3

Queensland’s screen industry...... 5

The global picture...... 10

Strengths and opportunities...... 13

Industry challenges...... 15

Queensland Government actions to date...... 17

Future actions...... 21

Cover and inside front cover: Hardworking Queensland crew filming in downtown Brisbane on the set of Thor: Ragnarok. FOREWORD

Queensland is home to a vibrant and growing domestic screen industry. In recent years, Queensland has established itself as a destination of choice for international screen productions, and is now well positioned to grow the state’s presence in the international market.

The screen industry is a fast-moving, Informed by stakeholder and community realise the global growth potential of our global industry driven by advancements input, the Advance Queensland Screen screen industry. in technology and audience demand for Industry 10-Year Roadmap and Action In preparation of the Advance Queensland content. The strengths and competitive Plan will contribute to driving growth in Screen Industry 10-Year Roadmap advantages inherent in the Queensland the Queensland screen industry, ensuring and Action Plan, we have ensured key screen industry have allowed Queensland it remains competitive in the global industry stakeholders, including industry to take part in a multi-billion dollar global marketplace and supports local jobs practitioners, small businesses, production industry that supports millions of jobs directly by building international networks and companies, local and regional councils, related to film, television, and gaming. enhancing collaboration; investing in new and representative bodies, have had the and emerging practitioners; building Additionally, our screen industry is supported opportunity to contribute to the Roadmap. business, technical and creative capability by high-level creative and technical This consultative approach will continue in the industry; and growing an industry and expertise, the creation of rich and diverse as actions under the Roadmap are regulatory environment conducive to the content across a range of genres and implemented and delivered. success of the sector. platforms, and investment in world-class As the domestic and international screen infrastructure. The Roadmap recognises the breadth of the industry continues to grow and develop, industry, encompassing a range of genres As part of the Advance Queensland initiative, the Queensland Government will ensure and content types including film, television, the Advance Queensland Screen Industry the Roadmap remains responsive to the online content, and digital gaming, as 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan has been future needs of the sector, maintaining well as the diversity of content creators developed to target emerging opportunities engagement with our stakeholders and including those from regional and urban in the sector, aiming to build Queensland ensuring our actions harness the full areas, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander as a global commercial and creative leader potential of our screen industry. screen practitioners and women in screen. in the screen industry, creating jobs and The Roadmap also highlights the potential enriching the community with content that of the screen industry to converge with other tells the stories of all Queenslanders. industries such as healthcare, education The Roadmap aims to support the existing and tourism, supporting broader economic contribution the screen industry makes to opportunities and growth. the cultural fabric of our community, while The Advance Queensland Screen Industry The Honourable recognising and maximising the sector’s 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan provides Annastacia Palaszczuk MP economic impact. Queensland with a strategic and dynamic Premier of Queensland pathway to strengthen the industry and and Minister for Trade

1 Director of Photography Paul Spurling and Katie Orlowski, on the set of Film to Fashion, a Manifold Media production. OUR VISION

By 2028, Queensland will be a globally recognised commercial and creative leader in the screen industry, creating jobs of the future, boosting our economy, and enriching the community with diverse content, created for Australian and global audiences in all formats and for all platforms. Kate Dennis (Director, Episode 1) on the set of Harrow.

Through this vision, Queensland will work towards doubling the value of the state’s screen industry over the next 10 years.

All Queenslanders will see the benefits According to Deloitte Access Economics: This Roadmap establishes a long-term of increased employment and economic Queensland is recognised as a production vision for industry, government and other activity associated with a thriving paradise and film-friendly state—known for stakeholders to work towards ensuring the screen industry. its diverse and unrivalled natural locations, cultural, creative and economic legacy of the Queensland screen industry. To achieve Building on the Queensland screen strong financial incentives, world-class our collective ambition for the screen industry’s recent successes, the Queensland facilities, post-production and visual effects industry we will work together to: Government is committed to strengthening studios, and award-winning talent and crew. • expand the global reach of Queensland’s the competitiveness of the industry, Over the past decade, fundamental changes screen industry and investing in the creative jobs of to the way individuals consume content the future, ensuring Queenslanders have have taken place in the media landscape— • support Queensland’s diverse high-tech skills and access to the facilities defined by the entry of new online platforms local practitioners needed to maximise the full potential offering streaming, catch‑up TV, video • boost capability in the Queensland of the sector. on demand and user‑generated video. screen sector The Advance Queensland Screen Industry However, with change comes opportunity, • build a screen-friendly Queensland. 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan forms part and the screen industry in Queensland has Our vision for the screen industry is of the government’s Advance Queensland the potential to be well placed to capitalise deliberately broad and our strategies and initiative investing in key industries with on change and ‘future proof’ the industry. supporting actions are flexible and agile global growth potential, and provides a to ensure we are able to capitalise on a strategic and dynamic pathway to cement wide range of future opportunities as the consistent and long-term growth in the sector in Queensland grows, and new screen industry, establishing Queensland technologies and sub-industries emerge. as a key player in the global screen Progress and implementation of the actions marketplace. will be reviewed in 2023, taking account Queensland is well placed to strengthen our of development in the industry. position and continue to grow as a leading screen destination.

4 | Advance Queensland Screen Industry 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan QUEENSLAND’S SCREEN INDUSTRY

Queensland has a well-established, thriving screen industry that encompasses film, television, games, streaming or subscription video on demand (SVOD), and other interactive platforms.

More than 340 film and video production Queensland is also home to a diverse Goodjinburra Dancers on the first day and post-production businesses and digital array of screen practitioners producing of filming forAquaman at the Gold Coast game businesses operate in Queensland, content to enrich and strengthen our Village Roadshow Studios. employing up to 3017 people. community. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Queensland’s interactive game industry Islander companies and creatives have long In 2016–17, Screen Queensland funded specialises in online games and games for contributed to the distinct storytelling of 37 screen productions, which generated mobile devices that have been downloaded Queensland, reflecting our unique culture an estimated $214 million in Queensland all around the world. to domestic and international audiences. Production Expenditure (QPE). There is also a growing interest in the The Queensland screen industry continues The 37 projects included four international to offer industry attachment and masterclass use of interactive games and immersive productions and 33 domestic productions, opportunities to support early-career technology such as virtual reality and including 28 Queensland-based screen screen practitioners through professional augmented reality to address issues entities and five interstate screen entities skill transfers, business development and in other sectors including tourism, working in Queensland. networking opportunities. During the filming education and health. Queensland is at the forefront of production of Thor: Ragnarok, 30 Aboriginal and Torres Screen infrastructure and businesses are on new screen mediums, producing Strait Islander filmmakers took part in largely located in South East Queensland, Australia’s first television series of virtual a masterclass with director Taika Waititi. however talented and skilled practitioners reality experiences for SBS, the first to These initiatives, as well as walk-on and companies based across the state secure an Australian-made series for Netflix roles and opportunities to attend film have created smaller screen hubs attracting and the first to partner with Stan to produce premieres, are often embedded in national and international productions. a full-length feature. Queensland productions and create ongoing Investing in Queensland’s domestic opportunities for our diverse Queensland Queensland’s diverse and talented cast screen industry will be essential to building practitioners. and crew have been recognised with a resilient and sustainable sector, ensuring Academy Awards, Emmy Awards, BAFTAs Opportunities to increase community a continuous pipeline of productions and and other international awards for their engagement are also identified, such as positioning Queensland as a leader in the content, created for multi-platforms. the Welcome to Country performed by global screen marketplace.

5 QUEENSLAND’S SCREEN INDUSTRY

There are 341 37 In 2016–17, film and video production, productions 33 post production and digital funded by Screen Queensland in domestic game businesses in Queensland 2016–17, generating an estimated productions Home to the $214 million in Queensland Production (including 28 Queensland‑based Expenditure and screen entities and five interstate screen entities LARGEST 2340 direct jobs working in Queensland), and sound stage for Queenslanders four international productions in the Southern Hemisphere and the largest purpose-built water More than tanks in Australia 12 37 film-friendly 35 councils international film festivals blockbusters in the past five years across the state

First Netflix $1.3 Original $573 million Series and million invested in Aboriginal and direct Queensland Production Torres Strait Islander projects, Stan feature Expenditure in the past talent and businesses in 2016–17 in Australia three years

6 | Advance Queensland Screen Industry 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan Royal Theatre, Winton, at the Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival.

Economic contribution of Queensland’s of content across various content types and screen industry platforms, the exhibition and screening In addition to the rich and diverse social of films and other content, and the online WINTON and cultural importance of the Queensland broadcast of content on the internet and screen industry, the sector also makes various on demand platforms. Winton, a small town in a remote part of Queensland, had a a significant economic contribution. In 2016–17, Queensland’s screen industry strong rural sector and a healthy contributed an estimated $981 million to Given the growth of the global industry tourism industry for many years. the Queensland economy. In this same and developments in new technologies In the early 2000s they were period, it is estimated the Queensland and applications, there is potential to grow looking to diversify and build screen industry supported 7180 full-time this economic contribution and maximise a stronger economic future for equivalent (FTE) positions across the sector, Queensland’s share in the global industry by the town. At this time a large from content creation to final audience harnessing new and emerging opportunities Australian‑British co‑production, consumption. This forms part of an estimated and investing in our existing strengths and The Proposition, decided to shoot US$653 billion global industry supporting competitive advantages. in the area. This production, more than 6.5 million jobs directly related with a cast and crew of 500, Harnessing this future growth in the to film, television and gaming. industry will be made possible through spent three months in town and existing investments in the Queensland The economic contribution of the screen the economic impact was massive screen industry. Already the Queensland industry is drawn from across the supply chain and immediate. Government’s $50 million Production and generated by a wide range of different Attraction Strategy (PAS) has enabled content creators via numerous platforms. Since 2005, four feature films the attraction of a pipeline of ‘blockbuster’ Key areas of growth in the industry have been shot in Winton and this international screen productions to the state, include the interactive games year the town will host the fifth making 2015–16 and 2016–17 the most industry, which is projected to grow to more annual Vision Splendid Outback successful years for screen production than US$96 billion globally. In Australia, the Film Festival. Winton Shire Council in Queensland in the past 10 years. gaming sector is estimated to contribute is at an advanced design stage to build a film studio for visiting Deloitte Access Economics has estimated $91 million to the Australian economy, film makers and the Shire’s new that between 2016–17 and 2021–22, employing 728 FTEs, with the demand Economic Development Plan will production in Queensland will increase for upstream activities created by the dedicate a chapter to the growth in value by 15 per cent, creating a 12 per cent development of games, contributing an of the film industry in the town. increase in employment in the sector. additional $24 million of indirect value. It is expected the Queensland screen industry will generate growth in the future in three key areas, including the production

7 Still from Roni the Flying Fish

Queensland-based games development accounts for approximately 19 per cent Recently they undertook the of this total market, with significant potential LIQUID character and show visual design to grow this share. Overall, the digital games development for the upcoming sector is expected to experience a strong ANIMATION Muppet Babies TV series for increase in growth in the next five years, Disney TVA. contributing an additional $21 million Liquid Animation is an award‑winning • Their specialist character to the economy compared to 2016–17. animation and design studio. animation—they started out as In addition, the screen industry in Combining traditional 2D artistry a traditional cell animation studio Queensland supports the transfer of skills with 3D digital production, the studio on The Proud Family for Disney and knowledge across different sectors, works with some of the world’s Channel. This is imprinted in the producing flow-on benefits for the economy. leading entertainment companies Liquid DNA. Several artists from including Disney, Warner Bros. this show are still with the studio For example, virtual reality and gaming and Mattel. today and now form the backbone are increasingly being used in education, of the studio’s animation leads. health and wellbeing, and tourism to Their work spans a broad range This enables Liquid to retain their improve customer and consumer experiences. of production including TV series, strong character animation skills It has been estimated that core Australian TV commercials, virtual reality across 2D and 3D animation. content generated $252 million in export content, educational and digital earnings in 2014–15, and the screen industry • Through their television commercial animations, mobile shorts, theatrical as a whole generated $725 million in tourism experience, Liquid has developed releases and the development of their expenditure in Australia. Approximately the ability to work across many own intellectual properties. 230,000 international tourists visited or hybrid forms of animation, extended their stay in Australia as a result integrating 2D plates into 3D of viewing Australian film and TV content, Liquid Animation is equally space to developing stop motion according to survey results. at home in 2D and 3D animation. animation techniques with mixed Three areas define the essence physical and 3D sets, through to of Liquid Animation: integrating compositing live action • Their design and development with high end VFX and animation. work—they have a very strong and experienced design and pre‑production team that has worked on diverse projects, including many of their own intellectual properties.

8 | Advance Queensland Screen Industry 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan QUEENSLAND’S SCREEN INDUSTRY

International blockbusters and high‑end television projects supported by the Queensland Government have generated significant direct investment and jobs growth for Queensland:

Harrow $15.4 million expenditure 90 jobs for Queenslanders Harrow, a new television drama series filmed in Brisbane and South East Queensland in partnership with Queensland company Hoodlum Entertainment, ABC Studios International and ABC, is estimated to have injected $15.4 million of direct expenditure into Queensland and created more than 90 jobs. Thor: Ragnarok $145 million expenditure Danger Close 1800 crew (80 per cent Queenslanders) 30 roles—principal cast and bit-parts Thor: Ragnarok, generated $145 million in Queensland 120 full-time jobs for Queenslanders Production Expenditure and employed more Danger Close, which commenced filming in Queensland than 1800 crew, of which more than 80 per cent in May 2018, is predicted to create 120 full‑time jobs for were Queenslanders. Queensland crew members, and offer 30 principal cast and bit‑part roles. Chris Lilley & Netflix comedy project $6.35 million expenditure Aquaman 350 jobs for Queenslanders $100+ million expenditure A new comedy project between Netflix and Chris Lilley, 750 jobs for Queenslanders also currently filming in Queensland, is generating Aquaman, the Warner Bros Pictures’ film is estimated to approximately $6.35 million for the local economy and have generated expenditure of more than $100 million and employing approximately 350 cast, crew and extras. supported approximately 750 jobs for Queenslanders.

Dora the Explorer Tidelands 30–40 roles—cast and bit-parts $16.39 million expenditure 350 full-time jobs for Queenslanders 80 jobs for Queenslanders The next blockbuster to be filmed at the Gold Coast’s Tidelands, currently in production in Queensland in 2018, and Village Roadshow Studios, will be a live‑action version the first Netflix Original Series to be commissioned in Australia of Dora the Explorer from Paramount Pictures. It is is estimated to generate $16.39 million in direct expenditure expected to support employment for 350 full-time supporting employment for 80 Queenslanders. Queensland crew, and offer 30 to 40 cast and bit-part roles for actors.

9 THE GLOBAL PICTURE

The global screen industry is constantly evolving as a result of technological innovations, increasing competition and changing audience preferences.

Digital technology Around the world, digital technology is disrupting every aspect of society and the screen industry is no exception to this phenomenon. Advances in technology have Global subscription video on There were 3.773 billion global made the creation of screen content more demand (SVOD) use is forecast internet users in 2017, equalling cost effective, efficient and impressive. to reach 546 million by 2022, 50 per cent of the worldwide with the Asia Pacific region From shooting films in high definition population and 4.92 billion predicted to account for 43 per cent digital to creating immersive 3D worlds global mobile phone users, of global SVOD subscriptions in gaming, technology has enabled the which represented 66 per cent within the same timeframe. design, production and distribution of screen of the worldwide population. content that was not possible previously. Emerging screen practitioners are also benefiting from open, instant, and in many cases, free access to a critical mass of users via online distribution platforms such as YouTube. Nearly half of all Australian Each home in Australia now has adults accessed a catch-up service on average 6.6 screens capable in the six months to June 2016, of viewing screen content, and and in the two years since almost one in two homes has commercial operations began an internet-connected smart TV. in Australia, SVOD services have amassed 3.7 million paid, free and trial subscriptions.

93 per cent of Australian households The Australian video game have some form of gaming console. industry is estimated to be worth $2.958 billion and 47 per cent of Australians report being involved in some form of gaming.

10 | Advance Queensland Screen Industry 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan HOODLUM

Hoodlum is an Emmy and BAFTA Award-winning production company founded in 1999 by Tracey Robertson and Nathan Mayfield. The company operates their offices in Brisbane and in Los Angeles developing feature film and television drama projects Arnijka Larcombe-Weate and Ioan Gruffudd on the set of Harrow. for the international marketplace.

Hoodlum is currently in production on Tidelands, the first Netflix Shifting consumer preferences The prevalence of binge watching, a shift Original Series to be produced The ways we watch and interact with screen in consumer preferences and increasing in Australia. This follows on from content are constantly evolving. Consumers sophistication of mobile devices has Harrow, a 10-part series with now demand more content and choice influenced the amount of screen content ABC Australia and ABC Studios around how and where they access it, available online. Globally, video traffic is International (ABCSI), which has at a time that suits them. predicted to be 82 per cent of all consumer internet traffic by 2021. just been confirmed for a second The increasing prevalence of high-speed series. Harrow is ABCSI’s first internet and subscription video on demand The interactive games industry is the fastest scripted drama outside the USA. (SVOD) services has placed an unprecedented growing entertainment industry globally. level of power in the hands of consumers. This growth is expected to continue, up by This support has included 8.9 per cent compounded annually to 2018. access to Screen Queensland’s Increasing demand for new content Growth will be driven by the continued development program, support Screen content is now generated at expansion of online and mobile games to travel to key industry markets a rapid rate to meet increasing demand. markets, the new generations of consoles to sell their shows, investment Fifty‑nine per cent of respondents surveyed and the expansion of interactive game in production, and working with by Deloitte in their Media Consumer Survey making into other fields such as health, Hoodlum to provide new career 2017 reported that watching television on any education and training. pathways for a range of industry device is their preferred entertainment activity. including writers, editors and Increasing competition post supervisors. Fifty-nine per cent of respondents also reported binge watching (watching three There is an increasing level of competition or more consecutive TV episodes in a among states and countries to attract screen single sitting). In the United States, where productions. Often this competition is based streaming services have been available for on available rebates and/or offsets offered longer, 73 per cent of survey respondents by governments to encourage production report binge watching. In Australia, SVOD companies to base their productions in rates (32 per cent) surpassed subscription a certain location. rates for Pay TV (31 per cent) for the first While this presents production companies time in 2017. with more choice on where to base their productions, governments must ensure they

11 The Kindergo children’s reading app offers high quality, curated books designed to encourage discoverable learning.

remain competitive in a global context by Changing financial environment ensuring their location‑based incentives are The costs associated with the various LIKE A PHOTON comparable to international jurisdictions. components of the screen industry are likely Australian states are also competing to change in response to global trends. Children’s storytelling app for federal screen funding from Screen For example, in the motion picture and Kindergo has been developed Australia, as state governments become video distribution sector, profit margins have by Like a Photon Creative increasingly aware of the recognised benefited from the lower costs associated and provides a reader-driven economic and social flow‑on benefits with digital film distribution to cinemas, experience using different modes of screen productions. however sector profitability has weakened of reading with multiple levels Faster internet speeds and the increasing over the past five years as falling revenue of interaction. The app allows accessibility of online shopping channels are has outpaced the decline in production and children to improve over multiple anticipated to continue to support the digital distribution costs. books and is already gaining purchase of video games over the next momentum in the marketplace, five years. The gaming sector has seen the rise of including being made available downloadable content where publishers on Virgin Australia’s inflight The online video game sales industry rely on advertisements and in-game micro entertainment system. is also expected to continue facing strong transactions to drive revenue. However, competition from mobile gaming. However, it can be difficult for developers to create gaming console manufacturers’ initiatives and sustain long-term profitability with to promote small or independent games free‑to‑play games that rely on this model. with lower price points may partly offset the competition.

12 | Advance Queensland Screen Industry 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan STRENGTHS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Queensland’s screen industry is well positioned to build on its existing strengths and take advantage of emerging opportunities. Competitive advantage Capability Championing this The southern hemisphere’s largest sound Queensland’s strengths are bolstered stage (3716 square metres or 40,000 square by the high level of skilled Queensland diversity in our feet) with nine stages and three water tanks screen practitioners attracting productions is located at Village Roadshow Studios on the to the state. domestic screen Gold Coast. These world‑class facilities have Queensland’s vocational education and attracted international blockbusters including industry allows unique training providers and universities offer Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No a wide range of screen qualifications, Tales, Thor: Ragnarok and Aquaman. Queensland stories and the state’s creatives and production cast Queensland’s diverse natural landscape, and crew are experienced and professional. and experiences to including a mix of desert, agricultural land, There is an opportunity to establish clearer tropical rainforest, secluded beaches, be shared with an pathways for students studying screen small towns and sophisticated urban qualifications, to transition into the industry, international audience. environments mean that filmmakers have gain practical industry experience and an array of choice for filming locations, secure ongoing employment, while ensuring irrevocably changed the ways people all within the same state. practitioners are developing the necessary consume screen content, how it is created These natural landscapes also hold digital skills and capabilities to thrive in and delivered, and the sheer amount of an important cultural significance for the industry. content choice available for audiences. their Traditional Owners, and for the Attracting skilled practitioners to work The rise of these platforms has presented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander in Queensland’s screen industry is a further new opportunities for creators to distribute screen practitioners who seek to respect way to bolster the capability and status and monetise their work. Depending on the and uphold cultural knowledge and of the sector. There is an interdependency platform the content will be available on, values through their work. between large‑scale international creators need to juggle managing business Queensland is enriched by the storytelling productions and the domestic industry, strategies, sponsorship and advertising of Aboriginal peoples, Torres Strait Islander particularly in the attraction and retention revenue, merchandising, branding and peoples and people from culturally of highly skilled practitioners who can share licensing to ensure the project is financially and linguistically diverse backgrounds. their knowledge and assist with further viable. If this can be done successfully, Championing this diversity in our domestic building the skills and capability of the content creators now have a world screen industry allows unique Queensland Queensland screen industry workforce. of opportunity to showcase their work stories and experiences to be shared with and find ways to bring in revenue. an international audience, opening up new New platforms and partnerships A key avenue for growth through new markets for screen practitioners. The evolution of new online platforms platforms and screen content markets offering streaming, catch‑up TV, video on is by establishing and fostering strategic demand and user‑generated video has

13 Children interacting with Point Zero’s HoloSpace.

partnerships with international players— Diversity such as large US networks and broadcasters The telling of stories through film, POINT ZERO looking to enter the Australian market. television and other screen media is vital Queensland producers, Hoodlum, to a community’s understanding of itself, Ipswich-based Advance partnered with Netflix to create Tidelands, and representation to others. The screen Queensland Hot DesQ program the first Netflix Original Series produced industry makes an essential contribution recipients, Point Zero, specialise in Australia. This is a positive step forward to the cultural landscape including through in developing interactive in building relationships with influential its ability to showcase diversity. holographic display technology international partners. There are also significant opportunities that provides engaging for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and immersive solutions Convergence with other industries screen practitioners, those from culturally for advertising, education, The screen industry is uniquely positioned and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and messaging. to support other industries through skills and women in the screen industry to tell transfer and innovation. The increasing use unique stories and be involved in the Point Zero’s product HoloSpace of gamification in the health and wellbeing creation of screen content that reflects is a world first for combining and education sectors is one example their experiences. the power of 3D visualisation where screen can be used to benefit other While Queensland’s competitive advantages with interactive technology. industries. Games can serve as a powerful have attracted numerous international It immerses viewers into a world tool for education providers in childhood productions to the state, the production of virtual reality without requiring education, primary and secondary of local screen content presents clear them to put on goggles. school, university courses and skilled opportunities to tell Queensland‑specific professional training. stories, and represent Queensland’s Not only can games be produced for diversity. Continuing investment in the domestic education providers, but they can diversity of Queensland’s screen industry also be exported to international markets will contribute to the cultural and economic that are also experiencing growth in demand strength of the sector. for education and health services. Studios can play a key role in applying game mechanics and game design techniques to engage and motivate people—this is an area that Queensland has the potential to grow and reclaim market share in the gaming subsector of the screen industry.

14 | Advance Queensland Screen Industry 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan INDUSTRY CHALLENGES

While the Queensland screen industry has a number of strengths and advantages, the growth of the industry will face a set of key challenges, particularly if the industry is not able to harness and invest in existing assets and emerging opportunities. Maintaining competitiveness Some of the world’s biggest gaming studios Until recently, To continuing growing the screen industry, departed Australia after the global financial Queensland needs to provide a competitive crisis, and in their place, independent, Australia had one edge over other jurisdictions. home-grown studios popped up—and they moved south, taking Queensland’s industry of the lowest Each state in Australia is actively share with them. Queensland was home committed to attracting screen investment to 49 per cent of digital games industry Location Offsets and improving their market share of workers in 2006–07, and this figure is now production activity. There is also strong 19 per cent. Maintaining competitiveness in globally, making competition to attract production activity the gaming sector is a challenge, especially from interstate and overseas. Across the in attracting and retaining skilled talent. it less competitive globe, hundreds of screen funding bodies in the attraction compete to attract, secure and develop Career progression screen content and thousands of content Retaining Queensland’s technical and of international developers are vying for business in an creative talent is a common challenge exceptionally competitive market. across the film, TV and games production and high‑value Queensland and Australia have a large subsectors. The small number of large film range of incentives and investment funds and TV production companies and large broadcast series. to attract and support the development games companies in Queensland means of screen content. However, incentives and disparate work for practitioners, making The Game Developers’ Association investment have not kept pace with changes it difficult to build a career. Regular migration of Australia notes there is currently in global incentives and the emergence of talent is common within Queensland’s an oversupply of graduates in Australian of new technology. industry as practitioners pursue job games production—or an undersupply opportunities around Australia and overseas. of jobs in the sector. Until recently, Australia had one of the lowest Location Offsets globally, making Any increase in production activity needs This has led to strong competition among it less competitive in the attraction of to be supported by locally-based creatives, graduates for the few employment international and high‑value broadcast series. administrators, business managers and positions, with many graduates forced to The recent increase in the Location Offset crew. A strengthened industry will need find employment in other industries, take from 16.5 per cent to a more competitive to provide university graduates and up contracting positions supplemented 30 per cent will ensure Queensland’s screen emerging practitioners with access to by other employment or move interstate industry can continue to attract international opportunities to broaden and diversify their and overseas. productions to the state. skills, and established practitioners will need opportunities to grow their portfolios of work.

15 Still from Hand of Fate 2, Defiant Development. DEFIANT Pressure on infrastructure Production pipeline DEVELOPMENT Queensland is the second largest state While Queensland’s screen industry in Australia, covering a total area of is expanding rapidly, compared to global Defiant Development is an 1.73 million square kilometres. While the industry leaders like the United Kingdom, independent game development vastness of Queensland’s geography California and Georgia in the United States studio founded in 2010. Defiant provides a range of location options for and Bollywood in India, the industry is small has developed a range of games productions, costs to transport equipment and niche. These huge global players benefit for mobile, PC, augmented reality and crew presents a challenge when from economies of scale that arise from and console platforms. it comes to working in the regions. vertical integration and/or clustering, and are supported by strong local networks. Even within South East Queensland, where They are known for Ski Safari most current productions are concentrated, This clustering ensures they attract (iOS and Android), Hand of additional infrastructure is required to a consistent pipeline of productions. In the Fate (PC, PS4 and Xbox One) and sustain a constant pipeline of domestic and absence of economies of scale, coordination their latest release, Hand of Fate 2 international work. of Queensland’s industry presents a challenge, (PC, PS4 and Xbox One), taking limiting the development of a sustainable Access to enabling digital infrastructure out the Game of the Year accolade screen ecosystem. Without coordination, and high speed digital connections are also at the 2017 Australian Game the industry is vulnerable to fluctuations crucial for screen industry practitioners, Developer Awards. in demand, making it difficult to guarantee including content producers and gaming ongoing work. developers. Ensuring the delivery of critical The Queensland Government digital infrastructure outcomes across through Screen Queensland Queensland, is critical to the prosperity (SQ) has supported of the screen industry. Defiant Development through a range of programs including travel support to key markets for games including South by Southwest, the Games Developers Conference and PAX East.

Kim Allom from Defiant Development was awarded a $20,000 SQ Mentorship to support her work as a games developer.

16 | Advance Queensland Screen Industry 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT ACTIONS TO DATE

The Queensland Government has invested in a range of initiatives and programs to support and grow the screen industry in the state. Production attraction for industry professionals and executives Queensland hosts The $50 million Production Attraction working in specialist factual television Strategy (PAS) has attracted a pipeline and media. more than 35 film of ‘blockbuster’ international screen The World Congress is estimated to productions and high-end television attract more than 700 people, including festivals and other productions to Queensland, including 500 international broadcasters, producers Thor: Ragnarok, Aquaman, and domestic and executives to Queensland to discuss events across the state. productions such as Tidelands and Harrow. industry trends and showcase excellence To date this investment has supported in factual programming. industry to be a significant contributor 15 productions, providing more than to the economic and cultural wellbeing 5200 employment opportunities for As part of Myriad Festival 2018, held of Queensland. Queenslanders. The PAS is forecast to inject in Brisbane from 16 – 18 May 2018, the Screen Queensland delivers a number $630 million into the Queensland economy. Future of Play, an interactive gaming stream, was incorporated as part of the program of programs to support the Queensland screen industry including: Marvel: Creating the Cinematic Universe offerings, exploring the future of screen based play. • Screen Production Investment— The world-exclusive Marvel: Creating the supports direct investment in the Cinematic Universe exhibition at Queensland Queensland hosts more than 35 film festivals production of high-quality domestic Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) and other events across the state, including: screen projects. In 2015–16 and ran from 27 May to 3 September 2017. • Brisbane International Film Festival 2016–17 this program alone supported The exhibition attracted more than • Asia Pacific Screen Awards 46 projects, generating more than 269,000 visitors, making it QAGOMA’s most • Gold Coast Film Festival $49 million Queensland Production successful international exhibition. Marvel: Expenditure. • Heart of Gold Film Festival Creating the Cinematic Universe contributed • Screen Development Investment— • Port Shorts Film Festival to making 2016–17 a record-breaking year a program that invests in projects with for the gallery in terms of visitor numbers • Queensland Touring Film Festival at least one Queensland key creative and attendance at ticketed events. • Travelling Film Festival attached to support the development of • Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival screen stories with commercial, creative Events and festivals • CILECT (The International Association and cultural potential (this program From 2018 to 2022, Australian television’s of Film and Television Schools) Congress includes the Talent Fund, which allows premiere event, the TV WEEK Logies will be writers who are yet to attach producers • Game On. held on the Gold Coast. to their project, to access support for mentored script development). Queensland will host the World Congress Screen Queensland programs of Science and Factual Producers in • Game Development and Marketing Screen Queensland is Queensland’s November 2018, the must-attend event Investment—supports Queensland dedicated authority supporting the screen game developers to create and market

17 Director Mairi Cameron with Rachael Blake on the set of The Second.

high-quality games, including computer and fiction), virtual reality, and feature • The Screen Queensland Aboriginal games, console, mobile virtual reality and film. This suite of initiatives includes and Torres Strait Islander Strategy augmented reality games. development workshops, workshops 2016–19—initiatives to advance to support production and development the distinct storytelling voices of • Travel and Marketing Funding— of skills in this field, and production/ Queensland’s Aboriginal peoples and a program to support Queensland post production. All are credit-based Torres Strait Islander peoples. production companies and games programs, allowing practitioners to add development companies to take their • SQ Shorts, which supports production them to their professional portfolio and projects to key markets in Australia and of 12 short films by early and mid-career find further work. internationally with a view to raising practitioners, providing the opportunity finance and securing commissions. • SQ Attach—an attachment program to to develop, produce and market a short support early career Queensland-based film aimed at prestigious Australian and Screen Queensland also delivers a number screen professionals to work on mid and international festivals. of targeted initiatives to support the large-scale productions. • The sqhub—a shared workspace Queensland screen industry and create • Incubait, SQ Projector and Retold— dedicated to the screen industry that career pathways for talent (key creative initiatives to develop writing talent will accommodate games developers, and crew) including: and strong scripts, with the support of programmers, audio designers and • The Queensland Originals Program internationally-renowned mentors, that business leaders. is a major program supporting the will appeal to fans and financiers. • SQ Business program—initiatives development and production of • The Greg Coote Scholarship—awarded to develop strong screen businesses and content across genres and for all screen to a writer, producer, director or creative ensures production entities transform platforms. In recent years, it has involved executive and provides a unique into thriving creative production partnership with ABC iView, SBS and opportunity to spend six to eight weeks companies through strong stories Stan and an exhibition partnership with in an established television series and good business understanding ScreamFest LA. This is a major initiative, writers’ room. and partnerships. the first of its kind in Australia and with scope to grow, which includes short • The Gender Parity Program to ensure film, short-form online series (factual appropriate female representation in key creative film roles.

18 | Advance Queensland Screen Industry 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan The sqhub co-working space located in Teneriffe, Brisbane.

The Queensland Government is also These programs have the potential to investing in strategies to create career support and grow the Queensland screen pathways through Advancing education: industry by creating new opportunities for The sqhub An action plan for education in Queensland. innovators, supporting industry divergence This plan includes The Schools of the future and strengthening regional capabilities. The sqhub was launched in 2018 STEM Strategy for Queensland state schools, Advance Queensland programs supporting as the first co-working space and #codingcounts: A plan for coding and the Queensland screen industry include: in Australia dedicated to the robotics in Queensland state schools. screen industry. • The Business Development Fund, The action plan promotes fast-tracking which provides early stage co-investment It currently houses 13 full-time the digital technologies curriculum including funding to Queensland-based businesses tenants—all of them young, coding, which will mean that Queensland that are commercialising research, or dynamic businesses working children will have the skills to enter the innovative ideas, products or services. screen industry, particularly digital and visual at the cutting edge of games • The Ignite Ideas Fund, which supports effects, gaming, app development and virtual and content creation for new startups and SMEs commercialise and augmented reality platforms. and traditional screens—two market‑ready innovative ideas. hot desks and runs a program Advance Queensland • The Advance Queensland Create of masterclasses, workshops and Queensland grants program, which Since 2015, the Advance Queensland events aimed at encouraging provides creative YouTubers with funding, initiative has been driving innovation collaboration and connection, production resources and expert support and economic growth in Queensland and developing skills for to develop high-quality digital content through a range of programs and creative excellence and business and reach new global audiences. partnerships designed to build capability, development and growth. foster collaboration, attract investment, stimulate jobs growth and encourage an The sqhub is funded and operated entrepreneurial culture. through Screen Queensland.

19 Director of Photography Murray Lui on the set of Grace Beside Me. FUTURE ACTIONS

Actions being undertaken provide a foundation for the screen industry to build upon. The Queensland Government will implement additional specific actions to achieve our vision, capitalise on our strengths and make the most of our opportunities. Four key strategies will support further growth of the screen industry in Queensland.

Deliver the Far North Queensland Foster a pipeline of events to showcase 1. Expand the screen production strategic plan Queensland’s screen industry, including: to develop a stronger screen industry • hosting the World Congress global reach of in Far North Queensland. of Science and Factual Producers in 2018 to promote Queensland Queensland’s Lobby the federal government to extend as a cutting‑edge location for screen the Location Offset legislation to include and related cultural events to major screen industry subscription video on demand (SVOD) international broadcasters for series television. Enhancing Queensland’s status • host the TV Week Logies from 2018–2021 using this platform as a leader in the screen industry Seek regulatory changes to ensure to raise the profile of the Queensland will contribute to attracting major SVOD providers (such as Netflix and screen industry. international productions to Queensland, Stan) spend at least 10 per cent of their building international networks, and Australian subscription revenue on Develop a trade strategy for the screen enhancing opportunities for creative commissioning new Australian content. and commercial collaboration. industry to increase Queensland’s attractiveness as an investment The following actions support this destination and facilitate trade links strategy by encouraging the production for the screen industry through of international blockbuster films in trade missions. Queensland, supporting local jobs and growing the economy, and by building Queensland’s profile through industry events. Actions are targeted towards building Queensland’s national and international profile as a leader in the industry, while advocating for the right regulatory and investment environment to grow the industry and create jobs.

21 On location filmingHarrow .

Introduce and promote a 10 per cent Grow the sqhub, Screen Queensland’s 2. Support post production, digital and visual effects co-working space for game developers and (PDV) rebate to encourage productions screen industry professionals to enable Queensland’s to undertake their post‑production work collaboration within the screen industry in Queensland and grow Queensland’s for innovative approaches. diverse local PDV sector. Proactively pursue the establishment practitioners Champion and reinvigorate the games of Australia’s first YouTube Space industry in Queensland including in Queensland to provide local producers Supporting Queensland’s diverse local through the: greater opportunity to showcase practitioners ensures that practitioners at all • appointment of Screen Queensland’s their online content and access levels, across different platforms and genres, first board member with specialist international markets. are able to successfully operate throughout expertise in the gaming sector to raise Queensland, contributing to the cultural the profile and provide leadership Include a dedicated gaming development fabric of the screen industry and growing in supporting the specific needs space in the expansion of the precinct the local economy. of the sector linking games developers with startups, • appointment of a dedicated gaming incubators, investors and mentors liaison officer within Screen ensuring growth in this industry is Queensland to support the gaming fostered and supported. sector in Queensland.

Undertake a feasibility study into the viability of a new film precinct to support small productions in South East Queensland.

22 | Advance Queensland Screen Industry 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan Pilot a screen industry careers forum Connect small businesses in the screen 3. Boost capability to showcase the opportunities the screen industry to Queensland Government grant industry presents for employment, programs, business workshops, forums in the Queensland providing an opportunity for emerging and networking opportunities, such as practitioners to learn from more the Office of Small Business Mentor screen sector experienced industry players, and link Chats, to discuss business challenges practitioners with training providers. and share ideas for harnessing new This strategy recognises the existing creative and emerging opportunities. and technical expertise that characterises Partner with universities and training Queensland’s screen industry and seeks providers to offer advice on business Develop an industry-specific web to invest in it, by creating new pathways and financial management capabilities page on Business Queensland, bringing for emerging practitioners, increasing required of graduates to be successful in together advice, forms and links for awareness and access to existing support the screen industry. businesses operating in the screen systems in place, and encouraging greater industry to help them better navigate collaboration across the industry. Work with industry, universities and the business and financial aspects Actions that form part of this strategy have training providers to develop a framework of their endeavour, and facilitate been crafted to target greater support of qualifications required to work in the access to available government support for emerging practitioners, encouraging screen industry to ensure there is clarity in one place. practitioners to diversify their skills and for those entering the industry or seeking providing established practitioners with to further their career in the industry. Work with financial institutions and finance opportunities to grow their exposure industry bodies to overcome barriers to and portfolio. Recruit new screen industry mentors lower interest rates and non-secured loans into the Mentoring for Growth program for the screen industry. These actions will also contribute to to provide advice and support to screen increasing employment and investment industry practitioners operating as Ask Jobs Queensland to develop opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres small businesses, fostering the sharing a workforce plan for the screen industry Strait Islander screen industry practitioners of business and industry knowledge mapping out strategic needs of the future and businesses operating in the industry. and expertise. workforce in the screen industry. These actions also recognise the importance of equipping practitioners with the relevant Undertake a whole-of-government review digital and technical skills needed to thrive of eligibility criteria across Queensland in the industry. Government funding programs designed to foster innovation and the economy, to remove unnecessary barriers and encourage the participation of screen industry practitioners.

23 John C. Reilly, Brie Larson and Tom Hiddleston on the set of Kong: Skull Island.

Dedicate $12 million over four years to Work with the tourism industry to identify 4. Build a establish a fit‑for‑purpose studio for small and pursue emerging opportunities to film and television productions in Brisbane promote film location-based tourism screen-friendly to make it easier for local and emerging and experiences. businesses to make local productions. Queensland Establish an industry-based advisory Undertake a feasibility study into committee to advise the Queensland This strategy targets factors contributing the development of the Winton Film Government of emerging opportunities to a successful and prosperous environment Production Studio as a foundation to and challenges facing the screen industry for the screen industry. Actions have been explore the potential of regional film hubs. in Queensland. designed to foster a screen eco-system that is conducive to the success of the Review the regulatory environment Develop a Queensland Screen Business Queensland screen industry more broadly. of the screen industry to identify Directory, similar to the existing Screen Specifically, these actions are intended regulatory impediments impacting Queensland Crew Directory, to provide to build capability at all levels of the on business growth. screen-related businesses across production cycle by ensuring the appropriate Queensland with more opportunities facilities are available in Queensland Develop film-friendly guidelines for local to partner with each other and to be and by encouraging a culture of industry governments and state government commissioned by others to take part and regulatory awareness among departments to make it easier for in new projects. key stakeholders, and local and state productions to occur across Queensland, governments. particularly in regional areas.

24 | Advance Queensland Screen Industry 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan Image Credits: Cover: Image © Jasin Boland. Inside front cover: Image © Jasin Boland. Page 2: Image © Andre Cois. Page 4: Image © Vince Valitutti. Page 7: Image © Maree Azzopardi. Page 9: Image © Liquid Animation. Page 11: Image © Vince Valitutti. Page 12: image © Like a Photon. Page 14: Image © Point Zero. Page 16: Image © Defiant Development. Page 18: Image © Kate Os. Page 19: Image © Bronwyn Fardon. Page 20: Image © Julian Panetta. Page 22: Image © Vince Valitutti. Page 24: Image © Vince Valitutti.

Copyright This publication is protected by the Oversight of the Roadmap’s implementation Copyright Act 1968. will be provided by the establishment of a Queensland Government screen industry inter‑departmental steering committee. Licence This work is licensed to the Department of the For more information: Premier and Cabinet under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) 4.0 International licence. Online: advance.qld.gov.au/our-vision/ To view a copy of this licence, visit: roadmaps.aspx www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 You are free to copy, communicate and adapt Email: [email protected] this publication, as long as you attribute Post: Advance Queensland Screen it as follows: © State of Queensland, Department of the Industry 10‑Year Roadmap Premier and Cabinet, May 2018. and Action Plan The Queensland Government PO Box 15185, CITY EAST Q 4002 is committed to providing accessible services to Queenslanders of all cultural and linguistic backgrounds. If you have difficulty understanding this publication and need a translator, please call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on telephone 131 450 and ask them to contact the Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet on (07) 3224 2111.

Disclaimer While every care has been taken in preparing this publication, the State of Queensland accepts no responsibility for decisions or actions taken as a result of any data, information, statement or advice, expressed or implied, contained within. To the best of our knowledge, the content was correct at the time of publishing. Copies of this publication are available on our website at www.premiers.qld.gov.au and further copies are available upon request to: Department of the Premier and Cabinet PO Box 15185, City East, Queensland 4002 Tel: 13QGOV (13 74 68) Email: [email protected] Web: www.premiers.qld.gov.au DPC6221