Ausfilm applauds the announcements from the Australian Government’s Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety & Arts, the Hon. Paul Fletcher and the Queensland State Government’s Premier, Anastasia Palaszczuk for providing support to NBCUniversal’s Universal Studio Group’s three high-end scripted television series attracted to Australia.

The productions will receive AU$19.5 million under the Australian Government’s recently replenished Location Incentive program of AU$400 million and are set to film in Brisbane’s Screen Queensland Studios as well as locations in South East Queensland and Far North Queensland, filming over an 18-month period.

Ausfilm’s CEO, Kate Marks applauds the first of many international production partnerships destined for Australia thanks to the Government’s Location Incentive program. 

“Since the announcement of the AU$400 million Location Incentive in July, the promptness of this first collection of international TV projects is very timely and will provide a much needed boost for thousands of Australian crew and businesses who have been impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. Australian owned businesses engaged on these shows can plan for the future knowing that they have 18 months of work ahead of them.”
Marks also acknowledges the huge contribution international shows like this offer in developing skills and training opportunities for the next generation of Australia’s crews and technicians in businesses like cinematography, costume, production and art design, make-up, sound, music and post-production and visual effects.”

“Despite the extreme challenges of the pandemic, international productions can access a wide range of creative and innovative Australian businesses and talent when they locate here, as many have returned home from overseas including actors, writers and directors. Conversley, it provides a major development opportunity for creative Australian screen talent and through international partnerships like this with NBCUniversal, will ensure our film and television industry can grow in size and expertise like the US, Canada and the UK.”

Young Rock from Universal Television, Joe Exotic from UCP and Irreverent from Australian based film and television production company Matchbox Pictures will all be overseen by Matchbox Pictures (Clickbait, Stateless, Glitch, Safe Harbour), part of NBCUniversal International Studios, for NBCUniversal’s flagship network NBC, USA, streaming service Peacock and the global market.

Read the full Australian Government press release by Minister Paul Fletcher here. 

Read Screen Queensland’s full press release here. 

For more information about filming in Australia please email Ausfilm’s Executive Vice President of International Production, Erin Stam [email protected].

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:

Rachelle Gibson
Ausfilm
Director of Marketing and Industry Partnerships
[email protected]