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MAKING movies is big business, as we discovered when we were invited behind the scenes of the dynamic local film industry for our cover story.
Total production slated for between now and 2008 is set to inject more than $200 million into the economy and provide some 4000 jobs.
This current hive of activity will be bolstered by news that Steven Spielberg's $260 million, The Pacific, starring Tom Hanks, is on course and sailing this way early next year.
Industry heavyweights Robin James (PFTC) and Warner Roadshow's Michael Lake talk up the prosperity of this scintillating Gold Coast product, primed to showcase our golden shores and talented crews to the world.
The industry is also reeling with news that the prestigious Inside Film (IF) Awards will be hosted here on November 17.
It's a coup for the Coast and represents a major milestone in positioning south-east Queensland as the film hub of Australia.
The prestigious awards will join other signature film industry events in Queensland - the annual Screen Producers' Association of Australia (SPAA) Conference, the Australian International Movie Convention and the Brisbane International Film Festival (BIFF).
Starring in a very different role is
Gold Coast Airport CEO Dennis Chant,
who offers some inspirational words
on leadership.
Mr Chant has converted a one-man show into a vibrant, soaring success story in its own right, bringing in more than 300,000 passengers each month.
Our opinion column this month shines light on the property market as independent analyst Michael Matusik, predicts investors to make a swashbuckling comeback in 2007.
Mr Matusik says a 1960s-styled housing recovery is expected in 2007 and beyond, due to changing demographics, changes to superannuation and most importantly, the tight rental market.
Lawyer Robert Hynes exerts a fresh edge as the protagonist in our young entrepreneur feature.
Mr Hynes has combined ambition and a determined work ethic to establish successful law firms both in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast.
Two businesses have also scooped
major gongs at the Premier of Queensland's Export Awards, with boat manufacturer Riviera and Beaudesert-based Barrier Reef Pools paving the way
in exporting excellence.
And a Queensland invention has won the British Science Museum's Science Award for Smart Puzzle 2006, making for an interesting read in our innovation pages.
That's all folks.
Camilla Westerlund
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