Port Shorts promo is destination marketing at its best. How does a local event such as Port Shorts pull together an all star production promo launch like this?

You have to like the line “if seeing the worlds oldest rainforest and the majestic Great Barrier Reef in the same day don’t float your boat, it’s time to get a new boat”.

It all began when local resident Greg McLean, one of the key players in the 2015 Port Shorts resurrection, worked for NT News in Darwin back in 2007.  Greg met Matt Hearne and, coincidently,  another Greg McLean while they were shooting Rogue in Darwin. Later, Greg and Matt worked together on a pilot in the NT and thus a film industry collaboration was born.

When Port Shorts was revived this year, Greg rang Matt to see if he was interested in being a judge for the event and Matt’s reply was “can I bring my mate Steve Curry” and this is how a local event like Port Shorts engaged Steve and Matt to come on board.

As judges and ambassadors, the level of talent Matt and Steve, together with Kier Shorey, bring to this event is commendable to the event organisers. Not only is the promo launch a testament to this talent but it highlights Port Douglas as a destination not to be missed.

Filmed in wintery Melbourne, Matt Hearn’s production company Hotglue provided the skills required to pull it all together.  Steven Curry wrote the script and his comic presence reels the viewer in waiting for the next pithy line and Port Douglas endorsement.

“Port Shorts have launched the promo on their Facebook page, website and Vimeo channel. Screen Queensland is supporting it on their Facebook page as well.  Entries are starting to roll in predominately from within Australia, mainly from Queensland and some from Sydney.  There is also some entries from the USA. 

We have boosted the promo on Facebook to filmmakers and will push it again to attract others as well as it’s fantastic for the area and our major sponsors. We also chose October because it doesn’t clash with any other events,” said event organiser Alison George

The video will also be launched on tourismportdouglas.com.au website and here on Newsport.

The venue hosting the festival in October is the Rugby Club and the food will be provided by Tommy Young of Port Douglas Catering who will be theming the event as well as making the food affordable.

Without giving too much away, Alison revealed “there will be a movie concession stand with movie themed desserts and movie favourites like popcorn and jaffa flavoured desserts.  You can also pre-order a picnic hamper and blanket for the night.  There will be food stands, mojito stand, Pims stand and a bar.”

If you are a local film maker or have an interest in becoming a short film maker there is a short film workshop being held that can provide the simple steps necessary to demonstrate how easy it is to make a short film, even if you don’t have a video camera. Details below.

There will be a call out closer to the event for volunteers as well as a push for more local entries.  Closing date for entries is 1st October at 5pm. If you are interested in coming on board as a sponsor please call Bec McLean 0411 352 433.