SPAA switches to Melbourne

The Screen Producer’s Association will stage its annual Conference in Melbourne for the next three years.

The Victorian Government has secured SPAA plus the Logie Awards.

Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business and Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher said, “I am delighted that the Coalition Government has been able to secure the SPAA Conference, and that the Logies will remain in their rightful home in Melbourne for another five years.

“Attracting a high profile event such as the SPAA Conference to Melbourne and retaining the Logies shows the Coalition Government’s ongoing commitment to the screen industry.

“Since December 2010, the Coalition Government has supported more than 40 film and television productions which are expected to generate more than $200 million in production expenditure for the state.”

Nine’s Managing Director Jeffrey Browne, “This is despite interest from other states to move the awards ceremony away from their traditional home.

“The TV Week Logie Awards ceremony is truly television’s night of nights and all of us who are privileged to work in our industry are very proud to be able to showcase the best that television has to offer, at Crown, in Melbourne, for the next five years.”

The Screen Producers Association of Australia’s Executive Director Geoff Brown said, “Melbourne, with its variety of first class venues and its dedicated arts precincts, presents itself as the best venue in Australia for the SPAA Conference. We look forward to hosting Australia’s premier film and television conference in Australia’s cultural and innovation capital.”

The 2012 SPAA Conference will be held over three days in November.