Australian Screen News May 2023: 30% Location Offset Webinar, Location Spotlight: Coober Pedy, meet SLATEVFX's Prue Fletcher, Show Group's new GM Nick Smith & more!

May 2023

Dear Ausfilm friends,

Welcome to the May 2023 edition of the Ausfilm Newsletter!

We hosted a webinar with representatives from the Office of the Arts to answer questions about the Federal Government's announced 30% Location Offset. Don't worry if you missed it, we have a recording along with the presentation slides available.

Join us as we shine a Spotlight on South Australia's outback gem, Coober Pedy, renowned for its otherworldly landscapes that have inspired extraordinary screen projects. In our First Nations Spotlight, we introduce you to Eric Murray Lui, the esteemed Cinematographer from Queensland, whose remarkable journey and commitment to authentic Indigenous storytelling will leave you inspired.

Delve into the world of visual effects as we bring you an illuminating Q&A with Prue Fletcher, Executive VFX Producer at SlateVFX. Get ready for a gorgeous VFX breakdown from Blackbird VFX for their work on Class of 07. And exciting news from KOJO Studios as they expand their post-production and visual effects services in Melbourne.

Stay informed about the upcoming changes to Australian immigration laws with insights from Ajuria Lawyers. Discover valuable travel intel from TAG and get to know Show Group's new General Manager, Nick Smith.

Let's celebrate the achievements within our industry! Join us in acknowledging accolades for Avatar Factory, Cato Location Services, and Ausfilm (yes us too!).

Meet Morgan Hunwicks, the new Senior Lighting Manager at Disney Lighting Australia, and take a behind-the-scenes peek at the new drama series captivating the UK, Ten Pound Poms, filmed in stunning locations across New South Wales. And finally, Melbourne gets in touch with its romantic side as the Aussie franchise of The Bachelor moves into town.

We hope you enjoy this edition of the Ausfilm Newsletter, filled with industry insights and the excellence of Aussie screen production.

The Ausfilm Team

LOCATION SPOTLIGHT

SOUTH AUSTRALIA'S OUTBACK, COOBER PEDY

Embark on a journey to South Australia's Outback in this Location Spotlight: Coober Pedy awaits! The extraordinary underground town has emerged as a wellspring of inspiration for screen makers to craft their narratives. From the Martian landscapes of Stars on Mars to the vampire-infested mine shafts of Firebite, Coober Pedy continues to birth out-of-this-world screen projects. Join us on this immersive exploration!

TO THE OUTBACK!

FIRST NATIONS SPOTLIGHT

CINEMATOGRAPHER, ERIC MURRAY LUI FROM THE KULKULGAL NATION, QUEENSLAND

Meet Eric Murray Lui, an esteemed cinematographer hailing from Australia's Kulkulgal nation, North Queensland. Discover his remarkable journey, his contributions to the film industry, and his commitment to authentic Indigenous storytelling.

MEET ERIC

POST AND VFX IT IN AUSTRALIA

INTO THE WORLD OF VISUAL EFFECTS: Q & A WITH SLATEVFX’S VISIONARY, PRUE FLETCHER

Discover the captivating world of visual effects through the eyes of Prue Fletcher, the brilliant Executive VFX Producer at SLATEVFX. In this Q&A, Prue shares insights from her illustrious 25-year career, offering a glimpse into projects like Ten Pound Poms and Mortal Kombat.

BLACKBIRD VFX – CUSTODIANS OF THE ISLAND WITH CLASS OF 07

As key vendors on the production of Class of 07, Blackbird VFX created the impressive island for the series, crafting a fully immersive environment with meticulous attention to detail and successfully capturing a sense realism.

KOJO STUDIOS EXPANDS POST & VFX OFFERING INTO MELBOURNE

KOJO Studios has expanded its post-production and visual effects services to Melbourne, offering editing suites, colour DI, motion design studios, & VFX. The state-of-the-art facility aims to provide a seamless post-production experience for all screen professionals.

MAKE IT IN AUSTRALIA

EMBARK ON A TIME-TRAVELLING JOURNEY FROM BRITAIN TO NEW SOUTH WALES WITH DRAMA SERIES TEN POUND POMS

Ten Pound Poms follows a group of expatriates who leave post-war Britain in 1956 for a new life in Australia to find their expectations shattered. Filmed in stunning locations in New South Wales.
Ausfilm Members played a vital role bringing this series to life including SLATEVFX, Cutting Edge, CATO Location Services, Heliguy, Panavision, TAG and Entertainment Partners Powered by Moneypenny.
Enjoy this BTS peek!

MEET MORGAN HUNWICKS, SENIOR LIGHTING MANAGER AT DISNEY LIGHTING AUSTRALIA

Meet Morgan Hunwicks, Senior Lighting Manager at Disney Lighting Australia. Morgan brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his position, along with some heart and passion. Read more in this Q&A.

MEET MORGAN

AUSTRALIA HAS A NEW MATCHMAKING CAPITAL –MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

The universally beloved franchise, The Bachelor, is heading to Australia's most liveable city, where, for the first time in the history of the series, roses will be handed out on Victorian soil.

ACCEPT A ROSE

TRAVEL NEWS: UPDATES AND INSIGHTS

UPCOMING CHANGES TO AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION LAWS WITH AJURIA LAWYERS

Australia is set to overhaul its immigration rules, including the availability of a permanent residence option for Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS 482) visa holders by the end of the year. Ajuria Lawyers highlight the changes.

GET TO KNOW NICK SMITH: SHOW GROUP’S NEW GENERAL MANAGER

Get to know Nick Smith, the recently appointed General Manager of Show Group, in this engaging Q&A. Nick makes his triumphant return to the company, overseeing and spearheading new business engagement strategies.

MEET NICK

WORLD TRAVELLER VERIFIED: FLYING HIGH WITH TAG

Justine Liddelow is TAG's Commercial Director and an expert traveller. She shares her travel experience on Delta's long-haul flights from Los Angeles to Sydney and provides tips to minimise jet lag and maximise flight experience.

INDUSTRY RECOGNITION

THE AVATAR FACTORY WINS AWARD FOR TECH INNOVATION AND INTRODUCE PROP-SCANNING

The Avatar Factory's outstanding technical innovation was recognised with the Bob Miller Award. Complemented by the introduction of new prop-scanning services.

CATO LOCATION SERVICES WINS SPA SERVICE AND FACILITIES BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

CATO Location Services was honoured with the prestigious title of Service and Facilities Business of the Year at the 21st annual Screen Producers Australia (SPA) Awards this year.