Why a regional film body? Pulling focus on film in the Fraser Coast

IT WASN’T long ago that I sat staring into the wide bay of endless blue here in Hervey Bay and wondered if we would benefit from a more organised film body.

I knew there were a few here and there in our region who were in the film industry but was there a way for these people to connect and grow their interest and careers?

Film has been a powerful tool since its creation in the late 19th century and now over one hundred years later every one of us across the planet benefits from the motion picture.

It’s a powerful medium of communication, inspiration and storytelling. It’s a space that even the most remote and regional of voices can be heard.

Would we benefit from a more organised film body for our region?

The answer is yes, and the truth is out there as clear as it was for Mulder and Scully on our TV screen in the 90’s.

Since our media launch in March of this year, Screen Fraser Coast has had a growing number of members sign up to be part of our film community with a desire to connect and collaborate.

There are more of us than you think walking the streets, being creative, getting late night inspiration when we should be sleeping, strategising how we can bring more film opportunity to the Fraser Coast.

We no longer go the hard road of being a filmmaker, industry creative in a regional town alone, we are stronger and energised in numbers.

I have the unique role as Co-Chair and an industry professional myself of being a-breadth of the comings and goings of what projects are being made and collaborated on and already for our humble region, we have three features, two TV series and over a dozen shorts being made and in pre-production.

This is inspiring!

Momentum is building and our numbers are growing.

Be encouraged community, for if you have an interest in the film industry, or just like films and entertainment, your hometown is on the map as one of the up-and-coming destinations for film in QLD.

While I still sit and stare into the wide bay of endless blue I no longer wonder if we need a more organised film body, I just dream of all the ways our Fraser Coast people will have a way to now share their story though the power of film and how grateful I am that Screen Fraser Coast can be a platform for them to launch from.

AMY FRIESEN
Co-Chair
Screen Fraser Coast