Two of Australia’s most successful production companies are set to skyrocket the careers of filmmakers on the Sunshine Coast.
Ludo Studio (Bluey, Thou Shalt Not Steal) and WildBear Entertainment (Big Shark Energy, Rise of the Dictators) have joined with ShowdownMAX, the Coast’s premier production event, to elevate local film and TV projects for the domestic and international market.
WildBear Entertainment principal, Bettina Dalton, is a former Nambour High School student with a hugely successful international career and was eager to work closely with ShowdownMAX finalists.
“It would give me so much pleasure to see the industry thrive here,” she said.
“We’ll lead unscripted development with international markets in mind and help them to a stage where they can apply for development funding or move into production with ShowdownMAX.”
ShowdownMAX is a not-for-profit program aiming to make the Sunshine Coast a major screen hub.
The event is calling for submissions from local filmmakers, writers and producers. Four projects will be awarded $10,000 of professional input and the ultimate winner will receive more than $200,000 in production funding and support.
Ludo Studio’s Development team said, “As a team with strong connections to the Sunshine Coast, we are delighted and proud to be part of this incredible opportunity for the Sunshine Coast filmmaking community, through Sunny Coast Showdown.”
“We’re passionate about working with the Sunshine Coast filmmakers to elevate their careers. Working closely with the Showdown finalists, we’ll offer development guidance on the scripted projects and help bring fresh, original stories to the screen.”
ShowdownMAX co-founder, Dan Munday, said the partnerships with Ludo Studios and WildBear Entertainment are a huge boost for the Sunshine Coast.
“This is a premium upgrade for four projects from two of Australia’s best production companies. What I call a ‘Best in Field’ punch up,” he said. “We’ll end up with four really fine-tuned projects ready for market and get to produce one of them.”
The Sunshine Coast Screen Collective’s Louise Hayse said the event has already made a huge difference to local filmmakers.
“We’ve seen firsthand how offerings like Showdown can change careers and build confidence. It’s about creating real pathways for Sunshine Coast practitioners,” she said.
ShowdownMAX is a Sunshine Coast Screen Collective initiative proudly supported by major sponsor Bendigo Community Bank Tewantin-Noosa-Cooroy-Marcoola, with additional support from Screen Queensland.
SHOWDOWN MAX CONTEST TIMELINE
May 12 – Submissions Open
May 23 – Submissions Close
July 4 – Final 4 Announced
July 7-25 – Final 4 Development
August 1 – Winner Announced
August 4 – Pre-Production Commences September 1-12 – Production
September 15 – Post-Production Commences November 28 – Final Delivery
