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LOCAL university students have collaborated with a professional filmmaker to present a behind-the-scenes video series of popular digital game Fruit Ninja on a global scale.
Minister for Science and Innovation Leeanne Enoch says the YouTube project, titled Fruit Ninja Nation, was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Griffith University film students.
"The students are lucky to be working with a professional filmmaker on a project about one of the world's most popular mobile games for a potentially huge international audience," Enoch says.
"That's a combination that will be hard to beat when the first videos screen on YouTube later this year."
Fruit Ninja, created by Brisbane business Halfbrick is one of the most mobile device downloaded games in history with more than one billion downloads since launching in 2010.
Enoch met students at Griffith Film School's LiveLab at South Bank where the 13-part series is being made, featuring Fruit Ninja-themed live-action shots, documentaries and developer diaries.
Enoch says the support from Queensland Government-enabled LiveLab to contract experienced local filmmaker Amelia Paxman to help the students on the project.
"This project aligns with the state government's $180 million Advance Queensland initiative, which aims to develop a highly-innovative, knowledge-based economy, creating new industries and exciting new jobs for Queenslanders," she says.
"Halfbrick is an excellent example of the innovation and business acumen we hope to see emerge from Advance Queensland.
"They are a true local success story and sharing this insight will help to inspire the next wave of creative entrepreneurs."
Halfbrick vice president for entertainment and licensing Sam White says they've always had close ties with Brisbane's tertiary education.
"We are excited to further strengthen those ties with the LiveLab students on Fruit Ninja Nation," White says.
"It is a truly symbiotic project, Halfbrick benefitting from the talent and creativity of the students, while the students benefit from the real-world experience and exposure via Halfbrick's YouTube and game network."
Creative director of LiveLab and senior lecturer at Griffith Film School Richard Fabb says the project gave students the chance to globally showcase their talents.
"Partnering with Halfbrick, one the world's leading games producers, is an amazing opportunity for our students," Fabb says.
"With the final product set to air on YouTube, the world's largest video platform, our films can really make a mark."
Fruit Ninja Nation will accompany the US$1.5 million series of short Fruit Ninja animations Halfbrick is producing for YouTube Kids in America.
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