READY. SET. ACTION!

A slice of red carpet Hollywood magic is set to hit the Sunshine Coast with an evening of glamour at the Sunny Coast Showdown Showcase on 24 June in Maroochydore. The Showdown is an annual screen industry competition where successful applicants receive funding, support, mentoring and the opportunity to make their projects here and showcase them locally and internationally.

The success of this not-for-profit initiative is testimony to the talent and potential of the film

Issue 71, Thursday 22 June 2023 Cont.

industry on the Sunshine Coast. The Showcase will feature seven projects – three short films, a Powderfinger music video, two documentaries and a reality/home-style program produced and directed by Kin Kin local Anita Poteri called My Dream Hideout.

“We’re buzzing with excitement for the Sunny Coast Showdown awards night where the red carpet will make it feel like the Oscars! We already have the feeling of being winners, understanding that simply being part of this p3 event is an accomplishment in itself. No matter who takes home the prestigious golden award on the grand night the Sunshine Coast film industry has already emerged victorious. With its talented filmmakers and a supportive community success is assured. So grab your popcorn and prepare for a sunny revolution in the film industry,” said Anita.

“We can't wait to premiere our mini episode of My Dream Hideout! If this mini episode turns into a series watch this space as we'd love to surprise someone in Eumundi with their dream hideout. Exciting things are on the horizon!”

The event is the brainchild of Jon Coghill –a drummer for over 20 years with the band Powderfinger – who teamed-up with his former Nambour High School mate Dan Munday. Dan has delivered reality productions, most notably the global Survivor series for Mark Burnett in the US and around the world.

“Film and TV could be a major industry here on the coast in the next decade employing thousands of people in related services and providing much needed creative training and jobs for those looking to pursue careers in the arts,” said Dan.

“The Sunny Coast is home to an incredible range of amazing shooting locations and a surprisingly large number of industry professionals who would love to stay here and work rather than constantly travel domestically and internationally. There is also a massive increase in interest from students and associated industries that would crew and service film and television on the coast.”

The Showdown committee hopes that after their premiere the winners' films will move onto the festival circuit or out to the buyers’ market. For the committee the biggest win has been the relationships developed and momentum gained which they hope to use to attract more projects and ultimately build substantial studios in the area. Tickets: sunnycoastshowdown.com.au.

WHAT’S ON?

Night at the Original Eumundi Markets

Get along to the Night at the Original to be held at The Original Eumundi Markets from 4-8pm on Friday 30 June for a lively winter night market with Sunshine Coast folk rock band Nana’s Pie Band. There will be a delicious array of street food, crafts and even a lantern parade!