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Queensland screen practitioners and scientists come together to put Queensland in the international spotlight 


Queensland screen practitioners and scientists come together to put Queensland in the international spotlight 

Queensland’s screen industry and science community will take centre stage when Brisbane hosts the prestigious World Congress of Science and Factual Producers (WCSFP) later this month from 27 – 30 November.

The WCSFP brings together leading international content producers and scientists with broadcasters and key industry decision-makers across science, history, and other non-fiction content production.

Tracey Vieira, CEO of Screen Queensland said the Congress would provide an incredible opportunity for Queensland scientists and documentary producers to build global networks and showcase their stories, skills and expertise.

“Hosting the Congress in Brisbane will bring the world to our doorstop, so our scientists and screen producers can pitch Queensland stories to key international documentary decision-makers and allow delegates to experience our incredible state first-hand and be inspired to share our stories,” said Ms Vieira.

The Congress is also supporting up-and-coming producers through the Emerging Producer Bursary that provides registration, travel and accommodation, as well as unparalleled access to top international producers and commissioning editors through guaranteed meetings and networking opportunities.

Ms Vieira congratulated Lee Constable, a talented Queensland scientist, presenter and producer and the current host of locally-made children’s science show Scope on Network Ten, as a recipient of the Emerging Producer Bursary.

Image above Network Ten’s Lee Constable 

“Ms Constable will be able to develop her career internationally and pitch projects across her key passion areas of science, technology and society,” said Ms Vieira.

Ms Constable will have the chance to meet with some of the world’s leading channels and companies attending the Congress such as the BBC, Channel 4, Science Channel, Germany’s ZDF, CBC from Canada and France Télévisions.

International speakers are also confirmed including the critically-acclaimed British film producer and educator, Lord David Puttnam CBE, whose work has gone on to win multiple BAFTAs, Oscars and Emmys, and who will discuss how film can change society.

BBC presenter Dr Michael Mosley, from the global hit TV series, Trust Me I’m a Doctor, will also be at the Congress where Jim Louderback, CEO of VidCon and other leaders of exciting global online platforms, will show Dr Mosley how he can now maximize his chances of becoming an international multi-platform success. A ‘must-see’ session for screen businesses looking to monetise their online presence.

Image above L-R Lord David Puttnam CBE, Dr Michael Mosley

Queensland’s natural wonders will also be on show at the Congress with a live video link of coral spawning in the Great Barrier Reef along with a team of scientists discussing the significance of this season as a time of recovery and reflection.

Delegates will also enjoy Brisbane and Queensland tourism experiences such as Lady Elliot Island, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and Brisbane tours that will hopefully inspire return trips and potential screen content.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the opportunity to coincide with the Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA), held in Brisbane every year, proved a drawcard for the Congress.

“Congress delegates will get the most out of meeting in Brisbane through an unparalleled opportunity to forge new connections with filmmakers and nominees in our city for the Asia Pacific Screen Awards gala ceremony,” Cr Quirk said.

“Hosting this peak international Congress will further cement Brisbane’s reputation as both a business events and film hub, and will be a great opportunity to showcase the best of our city and put Brisbane filmmakers, stories and production capabilities on the world stage.”

The World Congress of Science and Factual Producers was attracted to Brisbane by the Queensland Government, Screen Queensland, Brisbane Marketing, ABC and SBS and runs from 27-30 November 2018. The event is also being supported by Screen Australia.

For tickets and more information, visit www.wcsfp.com