Movie magic a magnet

WHEN it comes to sharing the spoils and flow-on benefits of our local screen industry’s success, tourism has one of the best seats in the house.

A Deloitte Access Economics survey estimated the screen industry as a whole generated $725 million in tourism expenditure in Australia in 2014-15.

So how can the Gold Coast better leverage its film assets to promote tourism? Mayor Tom Tate said the city is already doing a great job of showing off its film and TV credentials.

“Leveraging is happening right now. The Logies generated millions in selfie exposure for our city,” he said.

“When Chris Hemsworth uploads a selfie while he’s having fun at our beaches, that’s worth thousands to us so far as social exposure. We need to ensure these stars can continue to enjoy our city without being harassed as their wordof-mouth is invaluable.”

Village Roadshow Theme Parks chief operating officer Bikash Randhawa agrees.

“There are so many incredible attractions and offerings on the Gold Coast,” he said.

“We need to ensure that when celebrities are visiting us they are able to experience them all and share to their millions of followers on their social media platforms.

“This is a great way for the city to really capitalise on their visit and at Movie World we saw first-hand the impact this has immediately following Taylor Swift’s visit with worldwide media coverage. “

Mr Randhawa said the Coast could also benefit from a walk of fame-style attraction.

“It would be a great drawcard and I think somewhere in Surfers Paradise around Cavill Avenue would be an ideal location,” he said.

“At Movie World, we do have a series of plaques around the Fountain of Fame with the names of celebrities who have visited the park which is an experience guests enjoy.”

Cr Tate said he wasn’t sure a Hollywood-style walk of fame was the best way to leverage film tourism here.

“We’re different, unapologetic and we march to our own beat so I wouldn’t support a replica walk,” he said.