- Four Far North Queensland businesses are the latest to receive NQ Enterprise grants to expand their operations.
- The funding comes from Screen Queensland's North Queensland Regional Program which is building skills, career pathways and opportunities across the local screen sector.
- Almost $900,000 has been awarded to local screen businesses across 16 grants since the introduction of NQ Enterprise in 2022.
Four Far North Queensland businesses will receive a share in $220,000 from Screen Queensland's NQ Enterprise initiative, as the Crisafulli Government continues to deliver the regional program.
Screen Queensland's North Queensland Regional Program is a multi-year initiative to grow the region's creative community through opportunities for skills development, funding for local screen businesses and events to foster industry connections.
The NQ Enterprise funding will support BioQuest Studios, Blue Octopus Films, Platinum Talent Management and Resonant Films to grow their operations, evolve innovation and provide new career pathways.
Past NQ Enterprise recipients have included emerging production companies such as Pandamonium Films and Millstream Productions, as well as production services suppliers like FilmCrewNQ and world-renowned aquatic life specialists Biopixel.
Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the latest investment is vital for the continued expansion of the screen sector in North and Far North Queensland.
"The Far North is on the map for Australian and international filmmakers thanks to facilities such as Screen Queensland Studios in Cairns," Minister Langbroek said. "Queenslanders voted for a fresh start and the Crisafulli Government is committed to the local screen sector. "We want to keep capitalising on emerging opportunities and support local jobs."
Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney said that the latest NQ Enterprise recipients highlight some of the diverse businesses that make up the screen ecosystem.
"This year's cohort includes two production companies developing authentic screen stories with distinctly Far North Queensland perspectives, alongside a casting company enhancing regional production services, and the intricate technical prowess of macro underwater cinematography that helps showcase places such as the Great Barrier Reef to the world," Ms Feeney said.
"Screen Queensland is continuing to invest in the many facets of screen production and screen services in North and Far North Queensland so that local filmmakers and those attracted to the region's stunning natural beauty have access to skilled crew, responsive local suppliers and first-class facilities."
Pete West, Technical Director of BioQuest Studios said that their initial NQ Enterprise boost in 2022 was a transformative moment for the company, supporting the purchase of cutting-edge underwater cameras and professional skills training for their team.
"That investment opened the door to international opportunities, including a collaboration with Oscar-winning director Luc Jacquet in Moorea, Tahiti. We're now his underwater filming partners on an upcoming project," Mr West said.
"The 2025 NQ Enterprise grant will support the next phase of equipment development for that production and allow us to expand our team. We're planning to create new technical and creative roles, and we're exploring internship opportunities for emerging talent here in North Queensland to be part of this journey."
