Nambour talents lead charge to grow Coast film industry

Two top Australian production companies with strong ties to Nambour are backing a push to grow the Sunshine Coast’s screen industry and uncover new talent.

Ludo Studio (creators of Bluey) and WildBear Entertainment (known for documentaries Big Shark Energy and Rise of the Dictators) have joined the 2025 ShowdownMAX program to mentor and fund local filmmakers.

WildBear’s Bettina Dalton, a former Nambour High student, said it was a personal goal to see the local industry thrive. “It would give me so much pleasure to see the industry thrive here,” she said.

ShowdownMAX co-founder and fellow Nambour local Dan Munday said the involvement of the two companies would lift the calibre of local projects.

“This is a premium upgrade for four projects from two of Australia’s best production companies,” Mr Munday said.

The program offers four shortlisted teams $10,000 worth of development support. One winning project will receive more than $200,000 in funding and professional backing.

Submissions open on May 12 and close May 23.

The ShowdownMAX initiative is run by the Sunshine Coast Screen Collective with support from Bendigo Community Bank branches and Screen Queensland.

• More information: www.sunnycoastshowdown.com.