Screen Tasmania
| Company type | Government agency |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film, television, digital media |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Headquarters | Hobart , Australia |
Area served | Tasmania |
| Products | Funding and support for film, television, and digital media projects |
Screen Tasmania serves as the Government of Tasmania’s principal agency dedicated to funding and supporting film, television, and digital media projects. Its mission centers on expanding the screen industry within Tasmania, fostering local creative talent, and enticing production ventures to the region.
History
Screen Tasmania was founded in 1999 under the Department of State Growth to reinstate focused backing for Tasmania’s screen sector following the disbandment of the Tasmanian Film Corporation in the early 1980s.
The late 1990s through the early 2000s experienced a resurgence in cultural investment led by Premier Jim Bacon’s administration. This period saw the establishment of Screen Tasmania alongside the inauguration of Ten Days on the Island, Tasmania’s inaugural international arts festival, setting the stage for growth within the local screen industry.
Launching with a modest annual budget near $1 million, Screen Tasmania concentrated on amplifying local narratives and fostering collaborations with both national and international production entities. Early financial support primarily targeted documentaries that highlighted Tasmania’s distinctive cultural and environmental attributes.
Key to industry development were initiatives focusing on infrastructure and skills enhancement. The Mobile Media Access Facility offered equipment and training opportunities, while partnerships with organizations such as the Australian Film, Television and Radio School provided advanced professional training for Tasmanian creatives.
By the mid-2000s, Screen Tasmania’s strategic approach emphasized cooperation between local filmmakers and external partners, aiming to cultivate emerging talent and establish a viable, professional screen industry in the state.
During this era, Screen Tasmania backed a wide range of productions—from feature-length films to television series and documentaries that reflected Tasmania’s unique stories. Collaboration with the Tasmanian Screen Network further strengthened industry infrastructure and advocacy.
Currently, Screen Tasmania remains instrumental in advancing the state’s screen sector by delivering funding, educational programs, and essential resources to both resident artists and visiting production teams.
Major productions
Screen Tasmania has played a vital role in supporting a variety of film, television, and digital media projects that spotlight Tasmania.
Feature Films
- The Nightingale (2018) – A historical drama developed with input from Indigenous Tasmanians.
- Lion (2016) – Partially shot in Tasmania, featuring its scenic landscapes.
- The Hunter (2011) – A film adaptation set against Tasmanian backdrops and wildlife.
- Van Diemen's Land (2009) – A narrative exploring Tasmania’s convict past.
Television Series
- Bay of Fires (2023) – A dark comedy-drama produced in Tasmania.
- Deadloch (2023) – Crime drama filmed along Tasmania’s east coast.
- Rosehaven (2016–2021) – Comedy series shot in southern regions of Tasmania.
- The Kettering Incident (2016) – Mystery series set within Tasmanian locales.
Documentaries
- David Attenborough's Tasmania (2018) – Documentary highlighting the island’s rich biodiversity.
- The Survivors (2024) – Netflix drama series filmed across Tasmania and Victoria.
Nurturing New Filmmakers
Screen Tasmania supports up-and-coming filmmakers by providing specialized funding opportunities and promoting local events such as the Breath of Fresh Air Film Festival (BOFA), thereby strengthening the creative sector within the region.