A new American screen project that could bring millions of dollars to the northern rivers has been attracted by Screenworks, the group’s GM said at the launch of its professional development program in Bangalow yesterday.
Screenworks projects such as its Regional Screen Enterprise Program were responsible for considerable overseas interest in our region, Jill Moonie told the audience.
Both the Lismore Mayor Jenny Dowell and the Byron Shire Mayor Simon Richardson were among the speakers who addressed those gathered for the launch.
Screenworks has been building the screen industry in the Northern Rivers of NSW for around 14 years and the professional development program planned for this year will continue to do so.
The launch served to highlight the role that Screenworks plays as the gateway for TV, film and digital media in the Northern Rivers of NSW.
Screenworks general manager Jill Moonie spoke of the importance of the program to the area and the networking scope in the region.
‘The program is designed to build the industry knowledge and the skills required by our screen producers and to create opportunities to develop more screen industry jobs and productions in television, digital media and film in the region’, she said.
‘We encourage anyone who works in the industry or has a concept they are developing to get involved with Screenworks and be part of the network.’
Ms Moonie also said that there were some exciting new programs on the horizon, and though she could not divulge the details, she said that there was very real interest in the northern rivers from overseas.
‘Productions are attracted to this area. Even though it’s confidential and I can’t give you any details, there is a very large American interest coming into the region in the next few days who will be scouting for a project which would bring millions of dollars into the region and would employ hundreds of people.’
Mayor Jenny Dowell, Mayor Simon Richardson, writer producer Deb Cox, and producer and Screenworks Chairperson Lois Randall all addressed the audience about the importance of a healthy local screen industry and the upcoming opportunities in the northern rivers.
Anyone wanting more information can find out more on the Screenworks website
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