WA announces $18.72 million for screen sector

The WA state government has announced almost $19 million in new funding for the state’s screen industry.

The funding will support WA’s soon-to-be launched Screen Industry Strategy, including more than $15m for incentives to attract major productions to the screen production facility currently under construction near Malaga Station.

It will also help to market and promote WA as a film destination nationally and internationally.

It comes after Screenwest recently received $9.2m this year, an additional $1.5m from Lotterywest, with $1m for local productions and $500,000 towards First Nations programs.

Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman said, “I’m delighted to announce almost $19m in new funding to bring major productions to WA from across Australia and overseas, and to help our local industry to keep up with the rapidly growing demand to film productions in WA.

“To date, the scheme we call the WA Production Attraction Incentive has attracted a number of high-profile productions to the State.”

The announcement was made last night at the world premiere of Population: 11.

“It’s wonderful to have Population: 11 star Ben Feldman here, all the way from America, for the premiere of this WA-filmed production, and for us to realise the return on the Cook Government’s investment – 100 jobs including local cast and crew, and all the extras from Derby and Broome. It’s also been great to see the $7.1m expenditure including all 62 rooms at King Sound Resort booked for the full duration of production – that’s 8,620 overnight stays in our Kimberley region.

“Once again, WA locations will be appreciated by Stan streaming service viewers across the country from this Thursday, 14 March.”

Regional Development Minister Don Punch added, “The Kimberley region is once again on our screens – after providing the stunning setting for the critically acclaimed series Mystery Road, it is now the backdrop for Population: 11.

“Our Government’s support for productions filmed in regional communities provides job opportunities for local talent and creatives, and showcases regional WA to international audiences.

“Our latest $18.7m in screen industry specific funding will continue to raise the profile of regional WA as a filming destination.”