Queensland film industry thrives amid US strikes
As Hollywood grapples with the fallout from the largest actors’ strike in decades, we look at what it means for Queensland’s film sector. SPECIAL REPORT
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Millions of dollars have been pumped into the state’s economy by the ever expanding film industry, despite an almost 100-day actor strike that has seen two major productions put on hiatus in Queensland.
Not even some of Hollywood’s biggest stars offering up $150m to end the SAG-AFTRA strike - with actors such as Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jean Smart, and Kumail Nanjiani involved - could get projects back on track.
It’s not all doom and gloom though, with Screen Queensland buoyed by strong interest by film companies in the state and big local productions that have been successful.
The recent season of Troppo injected over $9 million into the state’s economy.
“Troppo’s latest season showcases the profound talents of Queensland creatives to global audiences, further supported by the skills of approximately 160 cast and crew,” Screen Queensland CEO, Jacqui Feeney, said.
While Hollywood battles contentions around streaming compensations and the looming prospect of artificial intelligence, Queensland gears up for a slew of releases set for late 2023 and early 2024.
Despite facing initial setbacks from major productions “Apples Never Fall” and “Mortal Kombat 2” being shut down due to the strike, Ms Feeney stresses the industry’s resilience.
“2023 has been a strong year for Queensland-led projects and Screen Queensland is proud to support our state’s screen practitioners,” she said.
“While the recent SAG-AFTRA strike has impacted two productions here in Queensland, we have continued to field significant interest from both overseas and local producers and look forward to a robust period once these productions commence.
“Screen Queensland is committed to supporting an incredible slate of upcoming local films and series through our Screen Finance program, and with the Screen Queensland Studios, Cairns development set to open in early 2024, there’s never been a better time to consider a career in our state’s screen industry.”
This year has firmly planted Queensland on the world’s cinematic map, with local projects like ‘Love is in the Air’, featuring Delta Goodrem, and ‘Scarygirl’, earning accolades.
“When you see the international success of our local filmmakers — such as Jaggi Entertainment’s Love is in the Air reaching Top 2 in Netflix’s Global watchlist, Ivan Sen’s Limbo in competition at the Venice Biennale and Like a Photon Creative’s Scarygirl nominated for an Asia Pacific Screen Award — it’s clear that audiences here and around the world have a healthy appetite for Queensland-made films,” Ms Feeney said.
Screen Queensland is also backing two local films, “Combat Wombat: Back 2 Back” and “A Savage Christmas”, both set to premiere at the Brisbane International Film Festival.
Furthermore, series such as “In Our Blood”, “Dawn of the Dolphins”, “Rebel with a Cause”, and “Black Snow” have shone the spotlight on Queensland’s storytelling might.
Notably, “Black Snow” captured global attention and was recently acquired by BBC.
Feeney also touched upon the flourishing post-production sector.
“Our local production houses are hard at work, contributing to major Australian and international projects including the likes of ‘Bluey’, ‘La Brea’, and ‘Yu Yu Hakusho’.”
The ongoing Hollywood strike, the first in nearly 60 years, commenced on July 14 following a breakdown in discussions between the actors’ union and studios.
The core contention revolves around streaming service compensations and the impending influence of artificial intelligence.
Australia’s Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) has expressed solidarity with the US strike action, with MEAA Chief Executive, previously stating that these concerns faced by actors are universal.
“Streaming services are raking in billions of dollars in revenue and earnings as their audiences continue to grow but these profits are not being shared fairly with actors,” she said.
“SAG-AFTRA members have our solidarity because their struggle is our struggle and a win in Hollywood will set the standard for improvements for screen performers around the world.
“We call on the major Hollywood studios to negotiate in good faith to resolve the issues and meanwhile will be urging MEAA members to publicly show their support for their performer colleagues in the US.”
Originally published as Queensland film industry thrives amid US strikes
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