Two of Australia’s top production companies have linked with a Sunshine Coast initiative to help local film and television projects reach the international market.
Ludo Studio (Bluey, Thou Shalt Not Steal) and WildBear Entertainment (Big Shark Energy, Rise of the Dictators) have partnered with the region’s premier production event, ShowdownMAX.
WildBear Entertainment principal Bettina Dalton, a former Nambour High School student with a successful international career, was eager to work closely with ShowdownMAX finalists.
“It would give me so much pleasure to see the industry thrive here,” she said.
“We’ll lead unscripted development, with international markets in mind, and help them to a stage where they can apply for development funding or move into production.”
ShowdownMAX is a not-for-profit program aimed at making the Sunshine Coast a major screen hub. The event is calling for submissions from local filmmakers, writers and producers. Four projects will be awarded $10,000 of professional input and the winner will receive more than $200,000 in production funding and support.
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Ludo Studio’s development team said they were keen to get involved.
“As a team with strong connections to the Sunshine Coast, we are delighted and proud to be part of this incredible opportunity for the Sunshine Coast filmmaking community, through Sunny Coast Showdown,” they said.
“We’re passionate about working with the Sunshine Coast filmmakers to elevate their careers.
“Working closely with the Showdown finalists, we’ll offer development guidance on the scripted projects and help bring fresh, original stories to the screen.”
ShowdownMAX co-founder Dan Munday said the partnerships with Ludo Studios and WildBear Entertainment were a boost for the Sunshine Coast.
“This is a premium upgrade for four projects, from two of Australia’s best production companies,” he said.
“We’ll end up with four really fine-tuned projects ready for market and get to produce one of them.”
The Sunshine Coast Screen Collective’s Louise Hayse said the event had already made a huge difference to local filmmakers in recent years.
“We’ve seen firsthand how offerings like Showdown can change careers and build confidence. It’s about creating real pathways for Sunshine Coast practitioners,” she said.
ShowdownMAX is a Sunshine Coast Screen Collective initiative supported by Bendigo Community Bank Tewantin-Noosa-Cooroy-Marcoola with support from Screen Queensland.
ShowdownMax contest timeline: May 12 submissions open, May 23 submissions close, July 4 final 4 announced,July 7-25 final 4 development, August 1 winner announced, August 4 pre-production commences, September 1-12 production, September 15 post-production commences, November 28 final delivery.
