A new $1 million Island Screen Incentive program aimed at bringing more talent and award-winning productions to our shores has been launched as part of the Tasmanian Government's 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future.
Minister for the Arts, Madeleine Ogilvie, said productions will be able to apply for a grant at the rate of 10 per cent of their expenditure on Tasmanian goods and services while in production, up to $500,000.
"In order to keep attracting large productions to film in Tasmania, we are thrilled to launch the new $1 million Island Incentive Scheme, which will encourage non-Tasmanian screen productions to film in the state," said Minister Ogilvie.
"The scheme will encourage expenditure in the Tasmanian economy and drive employment and skills development in the Tasmanian industry, while showcasing Tasmanian landscapes, built heritage and our lifestyle around the world.
"Applications for this program open early next month and will be available, along with eligibility criteria, through the Screen Tasmania website."
Minister Ogilvie made the announcement during a visit to the set of Season Two of Archipelago Productions and Fremantle Australia's award-winning crime drama series Bay of Fires, back in production for a second season in Hobart and on the West Coast.
Minister Ogilvie said it was fantastic to have the Bay of Fires team back in Tasmania for a second season.
"Productions like this align with our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future by creating jobs for our local crews and keep our talent working in the state, and we're delighted that Bay of Fires will again be employing more than 100 Tasmanian cast and crew, along with many extras.
"2024 is expected to be a record year for screen production in Tasmania and we anticipate Bay of Fires will contribute more than $8.3 million to the Tasmanian economy on goods and services alone.
Season one of Bay of Fires received $1.5 million in support from the Tasmanian Government, through Screen Tasmania, with season two set to receive a total of $1.7 million, including a $200,000 grant to secure training opportunities for emerging Tasmanian filmmakers.
Season One was filmed in Queenstown, Zeehan and Strahan on Tasmania's West Coast.
Season Two of Bay of Fires will air on ABC and ABC iView in 2025.
