The NT Government is investing $9 million in the Territory’s film sector over four years to grow the industry and create jobs. The latest initiative involves supporting five NT filmmakers to attend the world’s largest entertainment content market, Marche International des Programmes de Communication (MIPCOM) in Cannes, France.

The five filmmakers are Andrew Hyde (Screen Industry Advisory Council member, recipient of the Generate Enterprise Grant and NT Chapter President of the Australian Cinematographers Society); Rachel Clements (Screen Industry Advisory Council member) and Trisha Morton-Thomas of award-winning Brindle Films in Alice Springs; Penelope McDonald of Chili Films in Alice Springs (recipient of the Generate Enterprise Grant); and Bridget May of Norad and R.D. Productions in Alice Springs.

Every October since 1985 members of the global media and entertainment industry have converged in Cannes to transform four days of exchange, networking, meetings, screenings and conferences into lasting business. This year around 13,800 people from 110 countries will attend. Over four days from 14-17 October, the Territory delegates will pitch their projects to international broadcasters and OnDemand platforms, seek co-production partners, production finance and international sales agents, and promote the Territory as a filming location to industry peers from around the world.

The NT Government’s investment in the Territory’s screen sector is producing results, with Territory productions such as Top End Wedding, Sweet Country and Robbie Hood receiving national and international success. In My Blood It Runs was screened at the United Nations last month.

To further promote the NT, Screen Territory recently joined ReelScout, a film-office business platform that showcases the NT as a filming destination and is a one-stop solution for crew, facilities and location needs. Screen Territory is working with local NT businesses and organisations, and will be reaching out to Councils to promote their businesses, locations and facilities on the platform. Screen Territory has also joined Ausfilm, which promotes Australian screen incentives, talent and facilities to the international market.

Travel and accommodation costs: $25,000 from the Screen Territory Travel Grant Support program.

Quotes from Jennie Hughes, Director, Screen Territory:
“MIPCOM is the premier screen industry event in the world and it is exciting we have five NT filmmakers attending. At MIPCOM they will be exposed to a huge variety of information and networking opportunities they would not come across anywhere else. This is also an opportunity for them to spread the word about the Territory as a location for filming. 

“Since July last year, international screen productions have added around $670 million to the Australian economy. There is no reason why the Territory cannot take a larger slice of this pie.

“There is also the knock-on effect on tourism – estimates suggest around 230,000 tourists visit Australia, or extend their stay here, as a result of watching Australian content, which generates around $725 million in visitor expenditure.

“The Territory has the winning combination of fantastic tourism offerings and a varied range of landscapes that make incredible filming locations.”

Media Contact: Department of Tourism, Sport and Culture Media Manager 0476 844 832