SQ News

Queensland jobs the real star of Aquaman production


Screen Queensland is sharing the below media release from the Queensland Premier and Minister for the Arts The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk about Aquaman which is filming on the Gold Coast.

The Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to Queensland’s burgeoning film industry is delivering tangible benefits for the state, with the Aquaman film production creating employment opportunities on the Gold Coast.

Touring the set of Aquaman yesterday with Treasurer Curtis Pitt while Governing from the Gold Coast, Premier and Minister for the Arts Annastacia Palaszczuk said her Government had worked hard to secure the filming of this Hollywood blockbuster in Queensland.

“My Government understands the importance of supporting our local film industry and delivering jobs for Queenslanders – and Aquaman is creating 750 jobs right here on the Gold Coast,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Working in the film industry can take you all over the world but I want to see our talented Queenslanders have the chance to work in their area of expertise right here in our state.”

The Premier said it was great to see so many talented local crew working on the production.

“From sculptors and steel workers to caterers and camera crew, Aquaman has brought a range of job opportunities to the Gold Coast,” she said.

“Screen Queensland’s attachment program has also enabled three early career Queensland-based screen professionals to work on Aquaman, allowing them to develop skills in a professional environment.

“Townsville’s Benjamin Southwell was a Producer attachment, Redland Bay’s Sarah Dahl worked as Script Supervisor attachment and Moreton Bay’s Alisha Worden was a Standby Costume attachment.

“It’s wonderful these creative Queenslanders have been able to get real-life experience, which will set them up for their careers in the film industry.”

The Premier said large-scale film productions delivered economic benefits to the state, with Aquaman to spend $100 million in Queensland on physical production.

“My Government provided $30 million to Screen Queensland in 2015-16 over four years to help Queensland remain competitive in an international market and attract major productions such as Aquaman.

“I personally negotiated with Warner Bros representatives to secure the filming of Aquaman here in Queensland and I’m thrilled to see our state now reaping the benefits.”

Aquaman is based on the DC comic book character and stars Jason Momoa in the title role, as well as Amber Heard and Nicole Kidman. The film is directed by Australian James Wan.