Gold Coast not just Hollywood’s playground, but home for Aussie stories too
Screen Queensland’s boss says the Gold Coast isn’t just a renowned place for Hollywood to make cinema – but increasingly for the state’s own stories too. READ MORE
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Screen Queensland’s boss says the Gold Coast isn’t just a renowned place for Hollywood to make cinema – but increasingly for the state’s own stories too.
This year’s Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) awards – on the Gold Coast for the second year running – is full of nominations for locally made productions with plot lines based in Queensland and Australia.
Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney said Australian stories filmed in Queensland and on the Gold Coast were resonating internationally.
“While the Gold Coast is renowned as a production paradise for Hollywood, we’re particularly thrilled to have Queensland shot as Queensland and to tell our own stories,” she said.
Homegrown productions included Boy Swallows Universe – based on former News Corp journalist Trent Dalton’s book of the same name – and Bluey which both won gongs on Wednesday at the AACTA Industry awards. Gold Coast-based movie How to Make Gravy, based on Australian muso Paul Kelly’s song and produced by Gold Coast-based Hollywood hotshot Schuyler Weiss, was among nominees.
Movie SPIT, starring David Wenham, also premieres during the festival, and is a Gold Coast-based movie sequel to cult hit Gettin’ Square, based on a screenplay written by Gold Coast lawyer Chris Nyst.
“We want to see more local stories be celebrated and make it through,” she said.
“It’s a ‘go Queensland’ time,” she added. “I’m always struck by how important the screen industry is to the Gold Coast. It’s one of the biggest industries in the Gold Coast and that makes it extra special.
“Queensland, but the Gold Coast in particular, really gets behind and supports the screen sector and we’re so grateful because it makes it a production paradise here. We get great support from the council, government and general public.
“Australian stories – people are making them and they’re resonating with audiences here and globally. I love to see the talent do wonderful work but when that hits with an audience that’s extra special.”
Ms Feeney highlighted the AACTAs industry expo on Saturday on the Gold Coast as a great opportunity for people learning their craft or thinking about a new career to get tips from industry luminaries and Oscar winners.
“One thing the AACTAs have done, particularly since they’ve moved to Queensland, is because there are so many extraordinary people here representing and celebrating the industry, a big part of it is how they come back.”
Of the Saturday film careers expo, she said: “Anyone who’s interested to join the industry, whether students, graduates or just people wanting a career change, should get on down here. Most careers expos, you can walk around, look at all the different industries, but here you’re coming to learn from the best – AACTA winners, Oscar winners, great people, it’s extraordinary.”
Mr Weiss, who leads director Baz Luhrmann’s Bazmark production company, said it was a “great time to be on the Gold Coast in the film business”.
“This is a great celebration of all the people, many of them Gold Coasters, a lot of crew who live and work in this city.
“(The AACTAs) is really important, not just for the industry but for the industry and for the city – think global names, local practitioners, and members of the community all together for several days, it couldn’t happen anywhere but the Gold Coast.”
YOUNG KING OF ROCK
The Gold Coast actor plucked from obscurity to play a young king of rock in famed director Baz Luhrmann’s biopic Elvis says he’s still pinching himself three years on.
Chaydon Jay, who played Elvis as a boy in the Gold Coast-based blockbuster, said he would be forever thankful for the “incredible experience” working on a film alongside A-lister Tom Hanks and rising star Austin Butler.
“I’ll be pinching myself for the rest of my life — no one gets that kind of opportunity on their first role,” Chaydon said on the red carpet at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTAS) Industry Awards night at HOTA on Wednesday.
“I look back on the interviews and think just, wow, what an incredible experience. It’s amazing.”
He has continued acting with a new film coming out soon called Chromatic, which he describes as an “incredible piece”.
Asked how much of an opportunity the AACTAs festival workshops and professional development created for up-and-comers he said: “When I was younger, I was very fortunate that I had a very supportive base of family and friends, mentors, it’s not something everyone gets handed to them.
“The best part of AACTAs coming to the Gold Coast is there’s so much talent here and it really allows so much of that talent to prosper even further in their development.
“There’s a lot of events we’re hosting this year to help give insight into development, and developing young talent.
“It’s so crucial to get that type of support when you’re starting out because it’s a really difficult industry.
“It’s something I’m very passionate about, and a lot of other members and ambassadors are passionate about.”
BLUEY STAR CHARLOTTE STENT TO INSPIRE AT SCREEN FESTIVAL
Budding movie star and Benowa High School student Charlotte Stent will share the secret to her early success in a film-industry workshop on Saturday.
The 16-year-old Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) festival panellist and youth ambassador has featured in hit animated TV series Bluey, The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee and Sweet River.
Entering the competitive industry aged just four, the Townsville-born Gold Coast local said her new hometown had everything that was needed to build a successful screen career.
“There’s so much more opportunity here on the Gold Coast,” Ms Stent said.
“We came from Townsville and we also lived in Brisbane at one point, but the Gold Coast just has so much to offer – it’s phenomenal.”
Ms Stent counts cult TV hit Bluey among her resume highlights.
“I’ve played a couple of characters and have been part of the show from the beginning,” she said.
“I’ve just loved being part of the production and we’re all so excited for the upcoming Bluey movie.”
From working with Aussie icon Paul Hogan to homegrown productions, the teen actor said the Gold Coast offered extensive programs to connect talent and build networks.
“Last year was definitely a highlight for me working with Experience Gold Coast because they really provided a platform forme,” she said.
The young star said she was excited to pass her industry knowledge on to the next generation.
“I’ve had so much support from my school and the city, as well as from AACTA as one of their youth ambassadors,” she said.
“I’m genuinely thankful to them all for helping me shape my future and the journey I’m on.
“There’s something for everyone in this industry and it’s only going to grow stronger.
“The leaders in this industry are investing and giving back for our future generations – especially on the Gold Coast.”
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