Four major new television movies and mini-series to be produced in NSW will inject about $19 million in direct production expenditure into the State’s economy and create 933 jobs, Minister for the Arts, George Souris, announced today.

The productions include The Gallipoli Story, starring Sam Worthington and Gina, the biography of mining heiress Gina Rinehart.

The four programs, The Gallipoli Story, Hiding, Soul Mates and Gina, all produced by NSW-based companies, will receive total funding of $860,000 through the NSW Government’s Screen NSW Production Investment Fund.

Mr Souris said there are clear reasons why production companies choose to work in NSW.

“NSW is Australia’s undisputed film and television production hub and we’re determined to keep it that way,” Mr Souris said.

“NSW has first class cast and production crews, leading creative and digital skills, a wealth of great locations, and a Government that backs its screen industry.

“These are four very strong television projects from some of our top screen production companies – Matchbox Pictures, Cordell Jigsaw Zapruder, Playmaker, and the team behind the hit online web series,Bondi Hipsters.

“Australians love Australian content and NSW’s screen industry is in perfectly place to make it for them.”

Mr Souris said the NSW Government’s sustained support for the NSW screen industry, through programs including the Screen NSW Production Investment Fund, has paid dividends for the State.

“Recent figures showed that 57 per cent of all Australian drama production in 2012-13 took place in NSW and 81 per cent of all Australian drama production was generated by NSW-based production companies,” he said.

“The NSW Government values screen production for its significant contribution to the economy and cultural life of our State. The industry drives innovation, creates highly skilled jobs and helps position Sydney as a thriving and dynamic international city.”