Annastacia Palaszczuk holding talks for Netflix to produce original content in Queensland
SINCE launching in Australia last year, Netflix has continued to grow in popularity. Now, the sunshine state is pushing for something to change the game.
MOVE over Orange is the New Black and House of Cards, Queensland could be responsible for creating the next Netflix original content for the streaming service.
Since launching in Australia early last year, the highly popular streaming service has resonated well with local consumers.
The streaming giant has become renowned for its creation of original content such as Daredevil, Jessica Jones and Bojack Horseman, which are used to lure new customers to the platform.
Earlier this year, Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos said the company was planning to create 600 hours of original programming to be syndicated globally across the service.
However, the service said it had no plans to commission local content for the platform.
Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk hopes to make Netflix reconsider, revealing she has been holding discussions with the streaming service to create content in the sunshine state.
These discussions have been coinciding with Ms Palaszczuk’s ongoing negotiations with large movie production companies.
“During this year’s trade mission (to the US) I hosted a reception with the heads of major studios such as Warner Brothers, Legendary, Disney and Marvel,” she told Fairfax Media.
“Their response has been great and there are a couple of potential deals that could come to fruition in the very near future.
“We are also looking at films with Stan, shows with Netflix, (and a) series of major blockbusters and feature films.”
A spokeswoman for Ms Palaszczuk said negotiations were highlighting the successful shoots of Pirates of the Caribbean and Thor: Ragnarok at the Gold Coast last year.
“While it is early days, discussions with Netflix and other production houses are currently underway,” she said.
“Our intention is for Queensland to lead Australia in innovative screen content production.
“To do this we must be front and centre in the minds of online streaming media providers like Netflix and Stan.”
If successful, a Netflix original shot in Queensland would be the first for the local market.
Competitor Stan already has a string of locally produced Australian content including Wolf Creek 2 — a series-length sequel to the critically acclaimed Australian film.