ABC hit TV series The Code is currently based in Port Douglas. This is great news for the region as the production will be filming in the area as 'Port Douglas'.

We talk to Newsport's own managing director Sam Cullen to get his views on this great news.

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"The value of this is ten fold compared to previous filming in the region where Port Douglas is portrayed as other locations in the world such as Quay West in Fool's Gold or the Japanese held Guadalcanal Islands in The Thin Red Line. The immediate economic benefit from film crews and location hire spends is fantastic but to film in Port Douglas as Port Douglas gives intrinsic value to the destination brand" says Sam. 

"The more domestic and one day international shows and movies film in Port Douglas as Port Douglas the stronger our brand strength develops. We know how world famous locations such as St Tropez and Carmel benefited from films and TV shows such as James Bond and Miami Vice where filming over 20 years ago established enormous aspirational destination brand strength and recognition for these locations." 

"The growth of the Australian Film Industry, by way of Federal and State grants and the demand for Australian story lines by international production companies, locations such as Port Douglas have an opportunity to play a valuable part in the industry. Offering high quality services, incentives and benefits to the film industry will allow produces to easily add PD to their location lists."

"This amazing announcement of high profile Australian Actor Steven Curry being a judge for the resurrected Port Shorts Film Festival is an enormous opportunity for Port Douglas to host and showcase the region to some of the industry silk. 

"We need to do more than look pretty in this day and age" says Sam. "Although this helps! The competition for locations in film, TV and fashion is very high. A dedicated acquisitions approach will benefit our region to secure these film industry opportunities.