Image: Dishes from Taste of the Tropics season one — hi-res version and additional images are available to download here.
Screen Queensland, Screenworks and SBS Food are looking for a second serving of authentic factual food content from scenic North and Far North Queensland for Taste of the Tropics season two.
Taste of the Tropics is a talent development program part of Screen Queensland’s North Queensland Regional Program, delivered by Screenworks, in association with SBS and supported by Cutting Edge.
The second iteration will support three teams of mid-career screen practitioners from North or Far North Queensland, with an increased $35,000 in funding to develop an unscripted episodic food story from their region, for eventual broadcast on the SBS Food channel.
Participants will work under the guidance of independent Supervising Producer Karen Warner and Brisbane post-production house Cutting Edge.
Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the Crisafulli Government will continue to support the growth of regional screen sectors as demand for skilled creatives grows across the state.
“The Crisafulli Government is committed to the ongoing development of a globally renowned, robust screen sector in Far North Queensland, investing in the new Screen Queensland Studios in Cairns and supporting enriched careers for practitioners through opportunities such as Taste of the Tropics,” Minister Langbroek said.
“I commend Screen Queensland and Screenworks on continuing this program with SBS which will further promote the Far North region’s renowned tropical produce and dining, unique to this corner of our great state, and the country.”
Screen Queensland CEO, Jacqui Feeney said the initiative presents an important opportunity for local practitioners to tell their own food stories while receiving end-to-end mentorship.
“Taste of the Tropics will guide a new round of screen practitioners in transforming distinctive flavours, fusions and food haunts of North and Far North Queensland into broadcast-ready episodes for national network SBS.
“Participants will benefit from consistent mentorship throughout the process—from their initial script through to post-production and picture lock, giving talented local practitioners new avenues to share their stories with a national audience.”
Screenworks CEO Lisa O’Meara expressed her excitement for the positive effects the program will have on local careers and the ever-growing regional screen hub.
“It is an honour to support another round of mid-career screen practitioners with Taste of the Tropics as they build their skill base and collaborate with industry leaders.
“The initiative will benefit individual practitioners while also bolstering the capabilities of North and Far North Queensland’s screen sector to continue making world class screen content.”
Head of Entertainment and Food at SBS, Emily Griggs said she anticipated great things from Taste of the Tropics, following a fruitful collaboration on season one.
“SBS Food is thrilled to support the development of new original content that shares the culture, history and identity of regional Australia through food, while platforming regional screen talent.
“The first iteration of Taste of the Tropics was a huge success, producing engaging and personal stories that spotlighted Far North Queensland’s unique seasonal cooking, cultural fusions and food traditions, so we look forward to seeing the creative new productions of season two.”
Applications are now open and close Monday 21 May. Watch the first season of Taste of the Tropics on SBS On Demand.
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Media contact
Carrie Barber
Marketing and Communications Manager
media@screenqld.com.au | 07 3248 0500
