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| Photo by Ryan Makepeace |
I was very pleased to meet Ian Walker, Arts Minister for Queensland, at the celebration, and to be able to personally add my thanks for the support from Screen Australia. And of course I was flattered that despite the presence of Russell Crowe as well as Bindi and Terri Irwin, and Toby Wallace, an arts minister took the time to seek out the author and discuss the process with her.
"Queensland is set to shine at tonight’s premiere of Return to Nim’s Island at Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast.
Arts Minister Ian Walker walked the red carpet for Return to Nim’s Island, starring Bindi Irwin. The movie was filmed on location in 2012 at Magnetic Island and the Gold Coast’s Village Roadshow Studios.
“This is the sequel to Nim’s Island which was also filmed in Queensland and grossed over $100 million globally at the box office,” said Mr Walker.
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| Bindi Irwin and Toby Wallace arriving on red carpet, photo credit Ben Beaden/Australia Zoo |
“Screen Queensland invested $30,000 in development funding and an additional $14,000 in marketing funding.
"Productions such as Return to Nim’s Island demonstrate how the Newman Government is delivering on its pledge to boost tourism and reduce unemployment.”
Mr Walker said the production created 153 jobs with more than 80 per cent of the $5 million production budget spent in Queensland. “The film showcases Queensland’s unique locations and its expertise in production that has been the cornerstone of our successful and vibrant screen industry in Queensland,” Mr Walker said.
Mr Walker praised the Queensland companies and filmmakers involved in bringing this major Australian production to the big screen.
“This is a great example of local companies and filmmakers teaming up with international partners to bring a major film project to the screen” Mr Walker said
Presenting Bindi Irwin with framed Return to Nim's Island poster before screening; photo credit Ben Beaden/Australia Zoo
For the complete media statement: Return to Nim’s Island puts Queensland in the spotlight - The Queensland Cabinet and Ministerial Directory