Creating celluloid heroes
Director says small films vital for our talent pool
THE Queensland Government has invited director Ben Elton on a guided tour of the state’s filmmaking facilities to help convince him to make his next movie here.
Premier and Minister for the Arts Annastacia Palaszczuk and Screen Queensland extended the offer to Elton after he claimed the State Government’s focus and financial support for Hollywood blockbusters such as Thor: Ragnarok and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales often came at the expense of smaller projects and “little guys” like himself.
Elton raised his concerns during a trip to the Coast with actor Michael Caton, whose new comedy Three Summers premiered for delegates at last week’s AIMC at The Star Gold Coast.
Elton said independent films played a crucial part in developing the talented local cast and crew members who helped lure Hollywood heavyweights here.
“They’re not going to come here without our amazing technicians, wonderful actors, don’t forget all of casting ... all right, they bring in a couple of stars, but they cast everyone else on the ground here,” Elton said.
“And I can assure you, if we don’t make a bunch of movies like Three Summers, $3 million not $300 million … if we don’t make those movies then there won’t be that talent base.”
A Screen Queensland spokeswoman said the government funded body supported 37 domestic and international film and TV productions in 2016-17.
“Of these productions, 28 projects were Queenslandbased, ” she said.
She said Screen Queensland had a strong focus on local talent, developing skills and businesses.
The Premier said her government was committed to the industry’s long-term future.
She said production incentives ensured the state was “not only the best creative choice, but also competitive financially”.
“Government investment in international blockbusters … not only generates significant investment and jobs for Queenslanders, it also has significant flow on benefits to our local screen industry,” Ms Palaszczuk said.