A Sunshine Coast film and TV initiative kickstarting the area’s screen industry is set to showcase a slate of award-winning and locally made films at a major red carpet event.
The Sunny Coast Showdown is a not-for-profit initiative where local screenwriters and producers win the opportunity to make their projects on the Sunshine Coast and showcase them locally and around the world.
This year’s event saw the production of seven projects – three short films, a Powderfinger music video, two documentaries and a reality/home-style program.
Showdown winner and screenwriter Stephen Walker said he was blown away by the talent the initiative uncovered this year.
“It has helped create an immense sense of collaboration, and has showcased the talented and creative crew, producers and cast who call the Sunshine Coast their home,” he said.
Producer Anita Poteri said shooting her lifestyle project My Dream Hideout, with The Block 2020 winners Jimmy and Tam, was a fantastic experience.
“Working with the talented local crew and cast was an absolute joy,” she said.
“The set was filled with positive energy, and I can’t wait for everyone to witness the end result.”
Writer and director Adam Szudrich said he was honoured that one of Australia’s legends of the screen, Peter O’Brien, appears in his short film, Slow Dating.
“He saw the potential and talent on the Sunny Coast and wanted to help to put it on the map,” he said.
Ryan Butler, writer and director of zombie film Bin Day, said the event had proven the Sunshine Coast is ripe for more zombie films.
“I’m already writing a feature-length version of my zombie short film,” he said.
“I want it to really capture the beauty of the Sunshine Coast and sprinkle in zombies.”
Showdown co-founder Dan Munday said the event had started a serious conversation about future projects within the film community.
“This year’s projects will really shed light on the potential we have to create a film industry here that not only sustains itself but grows to a point it’s a major industry for the Coast,” he said.
The Sunny Coast Showdown, presented by the Bendigo Bank, is supported in part by both the Sunshine Coast and Noosa councils, however Mr Munday said it could be an even bigger boost for the industry with further support.
“The next step is to get funding that covers all the costs of Showdown number three,” he said.
“We have proved we can do it, we have momentum, now it’s up to the local governments and film bodies to step up in a really significant way.”
Mr Walker said the Sunny Coast Showdown Showcase would be a rare opportunity to “live local and watch locally made content”.
“It’s truly a chance to see some incredible and entertaining work made on the coast, by people who live here,” he said.
Mr Butler added: “Get yourself dolled up and have a taste of a Hollywood-style premiere. Food, wine and movies: what’s not to love?”
The Sunny Coast Showdown Showcase is on June 24, from 3.30pm to 10pm. Tickets for adults are $30, children over 12 are $15 and families (two adults, three children) are $60.
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