Screen production in Western Australia’s spectacular regions has received a $16 million investment over the next four years through the McGowan Government.
The investment will be made to the WA Screen Fund (previously Western Australian Regional Film Fund), which encourages production in the State’s regions and helps to boost local economies.
By showcasing WA’s regions to national and international audiences, the productions also support positive tourism outcomes for the local communities.
Many feature films have been shot in the State thanks to the Fund including adaptations of Tim Winton’s novels Dirt Music (filmed in the Kimberley) and Breath (filmed in the Great Southern).
Feature films Rams and H is for Happiness were also recently shot in the Great Southern.
The Fund also supports television production in the State. The AACTA award-winning Mystery Road is shot the Kimberley and Aussie Gold Hunters in the Goldfields – a WA show that became the highest-rated production on its network Discovery Channel Australia.
As we move into the COVID-19 recovery stage and the re-booting of the creative economy, there is a growing national and international demand for creative content. WA is seen as safe place for returning to screen production.
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
“You only have to look at how many productions we’ve been involved with in recent years – such as Rams, Breath, H is for Happiness, Dirt Music, Mystery Road and Aussie Gold Hunters – to realise just how vibrant our film and TV industry is.
“These productions not only show off our State and act as a drawcard for visitors, but they also show the depth of talent that is available here in WA in the ranks of our creative industries.”
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“Western Australia and its regions have so much to offer for film and television productions.
“We have a fabulous stories and stunning locations in regional WA, plus the people and skills to make these quality productions happen.
“These productions have made a real contribution to local economies in regional towns, supporting regional jobs across WA.”
