Ms ANDERSON - 2006-08-30
Is the Northern Territory film industry in trouble?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Macdonnell for her question. I am extremely happy to report to the House that the Northern Territory film industry is not just in trouble, but it is in double trouble. Last week, I had the pleasure of announcing Northern Territory Film Office funding of $243 000 for the production of the 13-part children’s drama series Double Trouble.
The drama series will feature indigenous actors and themes, and present a fresh, positive image of indigenous children of Alice Springs and the Territory to national and international audiences. This is an exciting breakthrough for the film industry in the Northern Territory, and it is great to see Australia’s oldest and largest Aboriginal media association, CAAMA, so heavily committed to the future of our screen industry.
It will be the first ever television drama made by an NT production company, with national and international broadcasters attached. CAAMA deserves to be congratulated. It is no small thing for the Northern Territory, as well as going to air on the Nine network and Maori TV in New Zealand, it is also slated to appear on the Disney Channel. The exposure of the Northern Territory to the nation and the world through these outlets cannot be underestimated.
Best of all is its impact on the local economy in Central Australia, not to mention the local screen industry. Over 90 local goods and service providers in Central Australia will benefit from the production phase of Double Trouble, 50 jobs will be generated directly, and the key creative engine room of the series is almost entirely indigenous, covering executive producer, creator, directors, writers, sound recorders and the main cast.
On any analysis, we can be proud that the Northern Territory film industry is in ‘double trouble’. This production is driving regional development in Central Australia, increasing skills and employment, especially amongst indigenous Territorians, and showcasing the creative skills of Territorians. It is promoting Central Australia and the Northern Territory as a place to visit and as a place to do business.
I am sure that members from both sides of this House, particularly members for Central Australia, will join me in congratulating CAAMA on this wonderful venture.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Macdonnell for her question. I am extremely happy to report to the House that the Northern Territory film industry is not just in trouble, but it is in double trouble. Last week, I had the pleasure of announcing Northern Territory Film Office funding of $243 000 for the production of the 13-part children’s drama series Double Trouble.
The drama series will feature indigenous actors and themes, and present a fresh, positive image of indigenous children of Alice Springs and the Territory to national and international audiences. This is an exciting breakthrough for the film industry in the Northern Territory, and it is great to see Australia’s oldest and largest Aboriginal media association, CAAMA, so heavily committed to the future of our screen industry.
It will be the first ever television drama made by an NT production company, with national and international broadcasters attached. CAAMA deserves to be congratulated. It is no small thing for the Northern Territory, as well as going to air on the Nine network and Maori TV in New Zealand, it is also slated to appear on the Disney Channel. The exposure of the Northern Territory to the nation and the world through these outlets cannot be underestimated.
Best of all is its impact on the local economy in Central Australia, not to mention the local screen industry. Over 90 local goods and service providers in Central Australia will benefit from the production phase of Double Trouble, 50 jobs will be generated directly, and the key creative engine room of the series is almost entirely indigenous, covering executive producer, creator, directors, writers, sound recorders and the main cast.
On any analysis, we can be proud that the Northern Territory film industry is in ‘double trouble’. This production is driving regional development in Central Australia, increasing skills and employment, especially amongst indigenous Territorians, and showcasing the creative skills of Territorians. It is promoting Central Australia and the Northern Territory as a place to visit and as a place to do business.
I am sure that members from both sides of this House, particularly members for Central Australia, will join me in congratulating CAAMA on this wonderful venture.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016