Last month, Screen Queensland welcomed its new Chief Executive Officer, Jacqui Feeney.

With a career spanning more than 25 years in global media entertainment, Jacqui contributes her vast experience in production, commissions, partnerships and distribution to the state screen agency.

Previous roles include Managing Director of Fox Networks Group and National Geographic, as well as senior roles at Foxtel — including Director of Video-on-Demand and Movies, and Head of Content Partnerships. Further roles include CEO of cable channel World Movies and leadership positions at Screen NSW, ABC TV and BBC London.

Jacqui has served on the boards for Nickelodeon as well as the Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association (ASTRA), advocating for members such as BBC Worldwide Channels, ESPN, The Walt Disney Company and NBC Universal. For seven years she served on the board of the Academy Award-qualifying Sydney Film Festival, which she also chaired for two years.

“My first month at Screen Queensland has been energising in meeting up with industry and stakeholders,” Jacqui shares. “I feel privileged to lead a dedicated and knowledgeable team, whose local expertise and commitment to enabling the industry has helped the state earn its reputation as a globally sought-after production destination.

“I’m looking forward to connecting with local and international producers and partners, to build strong and productive relationships.”

Jacqui Feeney, Screen Queensland CEO

Jacqui joins Screen Queensland following a wave of international films and series which have taken advantage of the state’s thriving screen production sector, such as La Brea S3, Mortal Kombat 2, Apples Never Fall, Wizards!, Nautilus, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, Thirteen Lives and Elvis.

“Our mission — and my commitment — is to continue to strengthen and expand the local industry ecosystem, which makes Queensland an ideal destination for valuable inbound productions and post-production projects.”

Jacqui Feeney, Screen Queensland CEO

Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Incentive is available to productions spending a minimum of AU$3.5 million in the state. It is offered in conjunction with Australian Government incentives such as the new 30% Location Offset and two local council attraction programs, including the City of Gold Coast. The financial benefits of filming in the state are complemented by the allure of diverse locations, experienced crew and first-class studios such as Screen Queensland Studios Brisbane and Village Roadshow Studios.

“We’re also excited to open Screen Queensland Studios, Cairns in early 2024, which will facilitate even more productions in tropical Far North Queensland, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.”

“In line with the demand for studio spaces, we recognise the need to grow our skilled local crew base through attachments and strategic talent development programs. Many initiatives have been designed specifically to open doors for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander practitioners and other underrepresented groups, which is something I’m very passionate about.” Jacqui added.

Jacqui also cited the spike in internationally attracted post-production projects in the state, as a direct result of the 2021 introduction of the agency’s 15% Post, Digital and Visual Effect (PDV) Incentive — the most competitive on Australia’s East Coast, available for a minimum AU$250,000 spend.

“I’ve certainly arrived at a period of immense growth for the state’s PDV sector. Local company Alt.VFX has just recently expanded operations with a new Virtual Production studio in Brisbane, while last year Rising Sun Pictures opened an additional studio in Brisbane’s vibrant South Bank district.”

Originally hailing from Sydney’s Bondi Beach, Jacqui has embraced inner-city Brisbane life with her partner. On the weekend she can be found cycling along the Brisbane river with plenty of café stops, buying fresh produce at local markets or making a rainforest getaway to the lush Gold Coast Hinterland.

“I have to say, Queenslanders have a vibrant can-do energy about them, especially in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, matched by an easy-going, outdoors lifestyle that embraces a wealth of diverse locations in the aptly named ‘Sunshine State’. Queensland is simply a great place to live and work.”

For more information about Screen Queensland’s incentives, locations, studios, scouting services and more, contact:

Head of Production Attraction
Naomi Wenck
[email protected]
+61 7 3248 0500