A Sunshine Coast film and TV initiative kickstarting the area’s screen industry is set to showcase a slate of award-winning and locally made films at this month’s red carpet Showcase event.
The Sunny Coast Showdown, presented by the Bendigo Bank, is a not-for-profit initiative where local screenwriters and producers win the opportunity to make their projects on the Sunshine Coast and showcase them locally and around the world. This year’s event has seen the production of seven projects – three short films, a Powderfinger music video, two documentaries and a reality program.
Showdown winner and screenwriter, Stephen Walker, said he was blown away by the talent the initiative uncovered this year.
“It has helped create an immense sense of collaboration, and has showcased the talented and creative crew, producers and cast who call the Sunshine Coast their home,” he said.
Producer Anita Poteri said shooting her lifestyle project, My Dream Hideout with The Block 2020 winners Jimmy and Tam was a fantastic experience.
“Working with the talented local crew and cast was an absolute joy,” she said.
“The set was filled with positive energy, and I can’t wait for everyone to witness the end result.”
Writer/director Adam Szudrich said he was honoured that one of Australia’s legends of the screen, Peter O’Brien appears in his short film, Slow Dating.
“He saw the potential and talent on the Sunny Coast and wanted to help to put it on the map,” Adam said.
Ryan Butler, writer/director of zombie film, Bin Day, said the event has proven the Sunshine Coast is ripe for more zombie films.
“I’m already writing a feature length version of my zombie short film,” he said.
“I want it to really capture the beauty of the Sunshine Coast and sprinkle in zombies.”
Showdown co-founder Dan Munday said the event had started a serious conversation about future projects within the film community.
“This year’s projects will really shed light on the potential we have to create a film industry here that not only sustains itself but grows to a point it’s a major industry for the coast.”
The Sunny Coast Showdown is supported in part by both the Sunshine Coast and Noosa Councils, however, Dan said it could be an even bigger boost for the industry with further support.
“The next step is to get funding that covers all the costs of Showdown number three,” he said.
“We have proven we can do it, we have momentum, now it’s up to the local governments and film bodies to step up in a really significant way.”
Stephen Walker said the Sunny Coast Showdown Showcase will be a rare opportunity to “live local and watch locally made content. It’s truly a chance to see some incredible and entertaining work made on the coast by people who live here”.
Ryan Butler agreed: “Get yourself dolled up and have a taste of a Hollywood-style premiere!”
The Sunny Coast Showdown Showcase 2023 is on 24 June at The Met, Maroochydore, from 3:30-10pm.
Tickets: Adults – $30, children +12 – $15, family (two adults, three children) – $60
For more information visit app.glueup.com/event/sunny-coast-showdown-showcase-2023-76070/home.html
