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Press Release
Tasmania Shares in Hollywood Limelight
22 January 2008
Tasmania has shared in the Australian spotlight at the Australia.com Black Tie Gala in Hollywood, California - the event that serves as the official start to Australia Week.
Tourism Tasmania Chief Executive Officer, Felicia Mariani, said the event draws enormous media coverage in both the United States and in Australia and attracts about 1,200 people.
“A small Tasmanian delegation worked hard to speak with as many of the prominent business executives, including American film and television industry people, producers, directors and actors,” Ms Mariani said.
“Tasmania hosted local PGA golfer Mathew Goggin as well as guests from Adobe who are currently working with Tourism Tasmania on a major promotion.”
Cooking/lifestyle series host Laura McIntosh from network television’s Bringing it Home with Laura McIntosh, which airs throughout California, also attended the gala dinner.
The series is slated to shoot episodes in Tasmania this March with the assistance of Tourism Tasmania.
The production company is also scouting for an Australian location for a feature film they will be shooting next year.
“Our discussions with Laura also included encouraging the production company to consider Tasmania as a location for the planned feature film. Their visit in March will be an opportunity for us to showcase Tasmania’s assets as a film location,” Ms Mariani said.
“During the evening we were also introduced to a producer from PBS who is looking to shoot a conservation wildlife documentary. Upon our return to Tasmania, we will enter into dialogue to explore the new opportunities with this contact.”
The Tasmanian contingent included representatives from businesses Roaring 40s, Tasmanian Rain, the Department of Tourism, Arts and the Environment and Screen Tasmania.
The red carpet event honours high profile individuals for significant contributions in their respective industries and for excellence in promoting Australia in the United States.
This year’s gala recognised Kylie Minogue and Phillip Noyce.
Guests dined on Australian-style cuisine prepared by Australian celebrity chef Neil Perry and LA local Wolfgang Puck, using Australian products and produce flown in especially for the occasion. One of the features of the meal for the evening was Tasmania’s own Petuna Ocean Trout.
Olivia Newton-John, Christine Anu and the Qantas Choir provided live entertainment for the evening.
“It was a magical evening showing the many facets of Australian art, food, wine and the contribution local talent have made abroad in the United States,” Ms Mariani said.