Screen Queensland is pleased to announce the four latest recipients of NQ Enterprise — an annual fund providing grants of up to $75,000 to screen businesses based in Far North and North Queensland. The support enables these operators to deliver a 12-month strategy for business sustainability and growth. Learn more here.
BIOQUEST STUDIOS
BioQuest Studios is a specialist underwater cinematography company based in Port Douglas.
Blending natural history and narrative filmmaking, BioQuest brings a cinematic sensibility to the underwater world, particularly at the macro scale. The studio designs and engineers custom equipment to capture highly controlled, character-driven sequences, both in the field on the Great Barrier Reef and in purpose-built wet sets.
By adapting visual techniques more commonly seen in drama, BioQuest helps films set in natural underwater environments achieve a more immersive and emotionally resonant storytelling style. The team works closely with directors and writers from the early stages of development, offering both creative input and technical solutions to translate narrative vision into underwater execution.
WHAT WILL SCREEN QUEENSLAND’S FUNDING SUPPORT?
BioQuest Studios’ initial grant in 2022 supported the purchase of cutting-edge underwater cameras and professional skills training for their team. That investment opened the door to international opportunities, including a collaboration with Oscar-winning director Luc Jacquet in Moorea, Tahiti. They are now his underwater filming partners on an upcoming project.
The 2025 NQ Enterprise grant will support the next phase of equipment development for that production and allow BioQuest to expand their team. They’re intending to create new technical and creative roles and explore internship opportunities for emerging talent from North Queensland to be part of their journey.
BLUE OCTOPUS FILMS
Karen Jackson is an accomplished writer, producer and director based in Gimuy, Cairns with 15 years of experience developing her craft across screenwriting and the creation of award winning inclusive short-form content. Her feature film scripts, under option with Tilt-Media Entertainment, have earned competition recognition and secured development funding from Screen Australia and Screen Queensland, demonstrating her proven track record in the industry.
Through her new boutique film company, Blue Octopus Films, Karen aims to expand her career as an above-the-line professional—writer, script-editor, writer-for-hire, producer, director and content creator—continuing to develop an ambitious slate of short and long-form projects. Her work advances her artistic skills while contributing to Far North Queensland’s screen sector growth, bringing regional stories to global audiences and strengthening the local screen industry.
WHAT WILL SCREEN QUEENSLAND’S FUNDING SUPPORT?
With funding from Screen Queensland, Karen will be able to transition into a full-time writer, producer and content creator under Blue Octopus Films. The funding will assist her in pursuing mentorship and training while establishing the newly formed boutique production company.
PLATINUM TALENT MANAGEMENT
Platinum Talent Management Australia, owned by Jade Turnbull, is a Cairns-based agency committed to growing the region’s creative industry while creating real opportunities for local talent with strong representation for First Nations actors, performers, and creatives. With over a decade of experience, Platinum has helped hundreds of individuals secure work in film, television and media, driving job creation across Far North Queensland.
Through inclusive programs, industry partnerships, and global connections, Platinum provides a professional platform for emerging talent to thrive. Its commitment to diversity, community engagement and economic growth has firmly positioned Cairns as a rising hub for the creative industries. Platinum has proudly worked with leading global companies such as Disney, Paramount, Netflix and many more.
WHAT WILL SCREEN QUEENSLAND’S FUNDING SUPPORT?
Platinum Talent Management will utilise the support from Screen Queensland’s NQ Enterprise to establish a costume facility in Far North Queensland offering high-quality, convenient wardrobe solutions to local productions. Led by Jade Turnbull, the successful Cairns-based agency is also expanding its reach to offer training programs to upskill local actors.
RESONANT FILMS
Founded by writer-director Caden Pearson and based in Cairns, Resonant Films is a First Nations-led screenwriting and production company committed to telling bold, high-quality stories across television, film and factual formats. With a strong focus on genres like mystery, grounded sci-fi and fantasy, the company champions First Nations authorship in spaces where these voices are rarely seen.
While grounded in Far North Queensland and shaped by a First Nations worldview, Resonant Films tells stories that speak to something bigger—our shared humanity. Through storytelling that uplifts, entertains and connects, the company creates work that resonates locally, nationally and globally—reminding us we are all more alike than we are different.
WHAT WILL SCREEN QUEENSLAND’S FUNDING SUPPORT?
The NQ Enterprise funding will support Resonant Films to scale from a sole trader into a sustainable screenwriting business. This includes incorporating the company, attending key industry markets, building a strong brand identity and securing new creative partnerships—positioning Resonant Films as a leading force in First Nations storytelling in Australia.
