SAVE US OBIWAN KENOBI

A LONG time ago in a decade which now seems far, far away, the Gold Coast had established itself as one of the world’s upand-coming moviemaking locations.

But that was before the dark times of COVID-19, which has cast a shadow over the arts sector as dark and damaging as the Galactic Empire.

But fear not, a lightsaber-wielding hero could emerge to save us if Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has his way.

News today that the city is taking proactive steps to revive its on-ice film industry will be welcomed by many who, through no fault of their own, have lost jobs and income as a result of the insidious virus which as changed so much of society.

Cr Tate’s hopes of securing a Star Wars television series is certainly not without ambition and success would be a huge feather in the city’s cap.

But it’s not just the prestige of having such a big-budget production housed in our own studios, it’s about the hundreds of jobs which would be created and the significant economic boost which comes with it.

The Gold Coast is economically struggling in the aftermath of the pandemic which cut through our biggest industries, leaving tourism shut down and the development and construction sector under pressure.

Among the few industries to thrive during these tough times is streaming services who have seen subscription numbers soar on the back of public demand for entertainment.

With coronavirus cases spiking seemingly out of control in the US it is not unforeseeable that the film and television industry there will be out of commission for a significant period of time.

With the Gold Coast being pitched as “the safest place on Earth” it makes sense to market ourselves as the best place to make movies and television series for the foreseeable future.

The economic benefits are self-evident as the Gold Coast continues to withstand the depredations of the coronavirus.

If such a coup can be pulled off, it will be clear that the force truly is with us.