A new partnership between the State Government and YouTube could help fast track the careers of digital content creators including QUT creative industries students and graduates.
Associate Professor Geoff Portmann, Head of QUT’s Creative Industries Faculty School of Film, Screen and Animation, said the $900,000 agreement would significantly boost Queensland’s already dynamic and internationally-regarded digital workforce.
“This is a truly visionary move from the Queensland Government and certainly the first such partnership with YouTube in Australia that enables students to work closely with leading content creatives,” said Mr Portmann.
“In September Sanoop Luke, YouTube Partnerships Manager, Asia Pacific, visited The Cube at QUT where today’s launch was held and he fully recognises the depth of talent that exists in Queensland.
“He has said that Queensland is home to some of the world’s leading YouTube creators and QUT, through its Creative Industries Faculty is proud to play a big role in that.
“The Queensland Creative Entrepreneurship Program is also a great example of collaboration at its finest. In the end, it will be the young digital content producers and film students at both QUT and Griffith University that benefit the most as they lead the way in an industry that is booming around the globe.
“Since it was launched in 2005, YouTube has grown to have a reach in the billions and is a valuable forum for original content producers. It’s a platform we are keen to embrace further.
"YouTubers are one of the new types of storytellers emerging in this digital world. QUT is delighted to collaborate on this exciting and innovative opportunity to work with these emerging voices.”
The Queensland Creative Entrepreneurship Program collaboration was developed by Trade and Investment Queensland, Screen Queensland, QUT, Griffith University and Brisbane Marketing.
Program elements, to be backed by funding over three years from the Queensland Government’s Advance Queensland initiative, include:
- Creator Original Awards: to provide cash grants to leading creators each year to help them develop and enhance the quality of their digital content for YouTube and expand their global presence.
- Creator Days: to be hosted by QUT and Griffith University, which will bring together YouTube experts, entrepreneurs, producers, content creators, and industry partners to learn, collaborate and bring successful projects to life.
- YouTube Top Creator Visits: bringing globally successful digital content creators to Queensland to share their expertise.
The Queensland Creative Entrepreneurship program was launched today by Deputy Premier Jackie Trad and opens early 2016. For more information and to subscribe for updates on the rollout of the Queensland Creative Entrepreneurship Program, please visit www.qld.gov.au/youtubepartnership.
Media contact:
Amanda Weaver, QUT Media, 07 3138 9449, amanda.weaver@qut.edu.au
After hours: Rose Trapnell, 0407 585 901, media@qut.edu.au
