Written by on Sep 4, 2014. Posted in On Location

Councils in Far North Queensland to boost film database for Hollywood scouts

A database of regional film locations is to get a boost from two councils in Far North Queensland, Australia, in a bid to increase Hollywood’s interest. Disney is reportedly considering filming Pirates of the Caribbean 5 in the region and authorities want to attract more high-profile shoots.

Douglas Shire Council and Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree near Cairns are working with Screen Queensland to expand its existing locations database with contributions from local businesses and residents. Queensland’s Reel Scout phone app offers a state-wide service.

“We have had large-scale US productions The Thin Red Line, Fool’s Gold and The Pacific (right), as well as Australian television series Reef Doctors film in the Douglas Shire in recent years but our enhanced collaboration with Screen Queensland will help us reach a much broader audience of key decision-makers,” said Julia Leu, Mayor of Douglas.

“There is speculation the Douglas Shire is being considered as a location for the next Pirates of the Caribbean and while I can’t say anything on that, [the] Council is fully supportive of our destination being showcased by filmmakers and television producers.”

Disney set up a filming incentive deal with the Australian government last year to film a remake of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, but the studio has now been given the option to use the incentive support for the Pirates of the Caribbean sequel instead.

Queensland’s Far North region doubled for the Pacific islands in World War II dramas The Thin Red Line and The Pacific. More recently the Brisbane and Gold Coast area were used in a similar way for Angelina Jolie's Unbroken, while the area also supplied the prehistoric landscape of short-lived fantasy drama Terra Nova.

(The Pacific photos: HBO/Sky Movies)