World News – GB – Qld attracts more screen productions in new impetus to economic recovery

Three iconic Universal Studio Group TV series – Young Rock, Joe Exotic and Irreverent – will be filmed at Brisbane’s Screen Queensland (SQ) Studios generating an 18-month pipeline of continuous production work for the industry flourishing state screens

Starting this month, the three premium scripted TV series from Universal Studio Group, a division of NBCUniversal, are expected to rotate back-to-back in SQ Studios, as well as surrounding locations in the Southeast. from Queensland and the far north Queensland

Universal Studio Group, which includes Universal Television, Universal Content Productions (UCP) and NBCUniversal International Studios, will bring Young Rock, Joe Exotic and Irreverent to Queensland

Produced for NBCUniversal’s flagship NBC network, the US network, the Peacock streaming service and the global market, all three productions are expected to provide a significant boost to the Queensland economy and the creative sector

Prime Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said securing these three productions was an important sign of confidence in Queensland’s economic recovery and would mostly create local jobs

« These productions are expected to contribute around $ 143 million to the Queensland economy, » the Prime Minister said

« Over 3,500 local actors, crews and extras will also be employed to work in the three shows and many other jobs supported in many industries such as hospitality, tourism, transport and logistics

« Thanks to the measures we have put in place and the incredible efforts of Queenslanders to deal with this pandemic, Queensland is one of the safest places to film not only in Australia but in the world

« The Queensland venues, along with a talented crew and top-notch facilities like Brisbane’s Screen Queensland Studios, are able to deliver what these big-budget productions need

« We are able to support the industry and get people back to work in a safe COVID environment »

Screen Queensland has been successful in attracting these productions to Queensland through the Queensland Government’s Production Attraction Strategy

Leveraging its local expertise and infrastructure, Matchbox Pictures will lead and oversee all three projects in the field – partnering with Universal Television to deliver Young Rock and UCP to deliver Joe Exotic

From Nahnatchka Khan (Fresh Off the Boat) and Dwayne Johnson, NBC’s Young Rock is a comedy inspired by Johnson himself The show will be produced by Universal Television, Seven Bucks Productions and Fierce Baby Productions

Joe Exotic is a UCP limited series based on the hit podcast Wondery depicting the real events of big cat enthusiast Carole Baskin (Kate McKinnon of Saturday Night Live), who learns that her exotic animal lover companion Joe « Exotic » Schreibvogel is raising and using his big cats for profit, and sets out to shut down his business, sparking a rapidly escalating rivalry. The eight-episode adaptation will launch on flagship NBC, USA Network and the Peacock streaming service

From Matchbox Pictures by NBCUniversal International Studios is the new ten-part drama series Irreverent, which is in development and production for the global market It follows a criminal on the run after his life of crime in New York City, which is forced into hiding in a reef town in far north Queensland, posing as the new reverend of the church

Mulgrave member Curtis Pitt praised the new Irreverent will also be filming in far north Queensland

« The Far North hosted the first screen production to resume filming after COVID and it’s great that the momentum continues, » he said

« All of this would not be possible without the strategic plan for screen production in Far North Queensland that we have published to attract and stimulate jobs and the growth of the screen industry in the region, this which is great to see « 

Screen Queensland CEO Kylie Munnich said this was an important announcement and a testament to the hard work that has gone into highlighting Queensland as an optimal choice for productions

« This is a massive boost for the Queensland film industry and a vote of confidence in Queensland’s safety as a major destination for film and television production, » said declared Mrs Munnich

« We look forward to welcoming the Universal Studio Group and Matchbox teams to Screen Queensland Studios and watching these series take shape, as well as seeing our facilities and locations showcased around the world »

Screen Queensland studio manager Derek Hall believes the installation is a perfect fit for Universal Studio Group and Matchbox, and the creative output that will be generated by the three productions

“The fact that Universal Studio Group is involved in large projects like these, for such a length of time, allows SQ Studios to continue to build its reputation with Australian and international producers, while consolidating Queensland as one of the best places in the world to film

“On the grounds of SQ Studios, we also recently welcomed a resident company, Extra-Specialists, which uses old military skills to deliver specialized training in stunts, combat and wire-weapon weaponry. It’s a really action-packed time here for us at SQ Studios! »He added

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