Airdate: Tastes of the Tropics

Three part SBS Food series Tastes of the Tropics shocases stories about passionate farmers, innovative chefs and local providores from North and Far North Queensland.

The series is part of Screen Queensland’s North Queensland Regional Program, delivered by Screenworks, in association with SBS and supported by Cutting Edge.

The talent development initiative for emerging and mid-career screen practitioners supported selected participants Ewan Cutler, Tamera Simpson, Shontell Ketchell and Glenn Saggers (Pandamonium Films), Alvaro del Campo, Nick Lorentzen and Davy O’Rourke (QC Video), and Maura Mancini, Kim Knox and Alison George. The three groups each received $28,000 to create an episode, taking viewers on a unique culinary adventure across tropical North Queensland.

The productions teams were mentored by independent Supervising Producer Karen Warner (MasterChef and Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen Notebook Melbourne), whose extensive industry experience bolstered the production capabilities of the practitioners, who were supported from script to final edit picture lock by Screenworks.

Dr Belinda Burns, Screen Queensland’s Chief Creative Officer said, “Screen Queensland is committed to fostering authentic Queensland stories from across the state by bolstering the experience of our regional practitioners and we are proud to have commissioned Tastes of the Tropics as part of our North Queensland Regional Program.

“As well as providing audiences with a fresh perspective on the cuisine culture inherent to the region, the participants have gained invaluable practical knowledge throughout the production process, elevating the skill sets they can apply to future screen projects.

Screenworks CEO, Lisa O’Meara said, “The filmmakers in this program were given the opportunity to learn from some of Australia’s best screen industry practitioners and this will enhance their careers. These unique stories which have been told by some impressive local talent are so important to the history and culture of the North Queensland community and we are honoured to be part of this narrative alongside Screen Queensland and SBS.”

SBS Head of Entertainment and Food Emily Griggs added “Tastes of the Tropics invites audiences on a tantalising exploration of Tropical North Queensland’s dynamic food culture. Local screen producers and practitioners tapped into their local knowledge beautifully introducing viewers to remarkable people, produce, and places.

“It has been wonderful to work with the teams from Screen Queensland and Screenworks to produce these three episodes. SBS are proud to support such a great initiative, empowering local talent to craft a delightful celebration of the region.”

Tastes of the Tropics on SBS Food.
Troppo Kitchen 8pm Wednesday 20 March
Iconic FNQ 8pm Wednesday 27 March
Family & Friends 8pm Wednesday 3 April