Netflix productions and national award nominations are cementing the Sunshine Coast’s reputation as one of Australia’s hottest screen destinations.
Major projects like Netflix’s Allen and the locally-produced The Edge have highlighted the region’s unique locations and creative industries.
The Edge, now streaming on Netflix ANZ, has earned multiple award nominations including at the prestigious Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards.
Film incubator Sunny Coast Showdown continues to gain national recognition. Its 2024 winner, The Hoist, has been acknowledged by AACTA as a contender for the 2026 awards, highlighting the region’s ability to produce original, authentic stories with national and global appeal.
Sunshine Coast Council is a finalist in the 2025 Economic Development Australia Awards, recognised for its collaboration in building a thriving screen industry that delivers new jobs, career pathways and a more diverse economy.
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Mayor Rosanna Natoli said this momentum positioned the Sunshine Coast as a serious contender on the national and global stage for screen production.
“This is a proud moment for our region and we’re seeing the real economic and cultural benefits of investing in our creative industries,” she said.
“Sunshine Coast Council’s finalist nomination in the Economic Development Australia Awards further highlights the success of region-wide partnerships.
“These collaborations between government, industry, education and community are delivering tangible outcomes, diversifying the economy and creating new career pathways in the screen sector.”
Sunshine Coast screen industry data reveal that productions filmed on the Sunshine Coast typically reinvest up to 80 per cent of their budgets into the local community – creating jobs, supporting regional talent and strengthening the creative sector.
Netflix’s Allen, produced by BAFTA-winning Ludo Studio (Bluey, Thou Shalt Not Steal), was filmed in and around Coolum.
ShowdownMAX is filming The Carers, a TV pilot developed with Ludo Studio and assessed by industry leaders from Seven Network, Northern Pictures and Screen Queensland.
Pluggas Studio recently wrapped First Flight, a short film exploring memory and legacy, shot aboard a 1960s DC-3 at the Queensland Air Museum.
From student-led productions and cadetships to high-profile festivals, the region is also nurturing the next generation of screen professionals.
ShowFest 2025, the Sunshine Coast’s premier screen event, will showcase industry forums, cross-cultural screenings, awards and a showcase of emerging talent from October 31 to November 2.
Screen Collective board secretary Louise Hayse encouraged the community, filmmakers and students to get involved and support ShowFest.
“From seasoned professionals to first-time filmmakers, Showfest is where insight meets inspiration, where ideas find collaborators and where the Sunshine Coast claims its place on the national screen stage,” she said.
“The Sunshine Coast screen scene is thriving and there’s never been a better time to get involved.”
