WESTERN AUSTRALIA DRIVES A PRODUCTION BOOM!

A high number of Western Australian screen releases are the outcome of a supportive Screenwest incentive program driving increased production for the state and industry.

Over the last eighteen months, Western Australia (WA) has seen an unprecedented boom in film and television production. With seven WA produced screen projects released over the past three months and more to follow in 2020.

“Screenwest has supported a number of brilliant major film and television projects and we are now seeing fantastic results from this busy production period in Western Australia.”
Matt Horrocks, Head of Screen Investment and Strategic Projects at Screenwest

Tim Minchin in *Upright*. A Lingo Pictures production for Foxtel and Sky UK. Image courtesy of Foxtel. Photo by Mark Rogers.

The comprehensive release schedule commenced when comedy series Upright written by and starring Tim Minchin released on Foxtel and Sky UK to broad acclaim. KOKO: A Red Dog Story stole the hearts of audiences and gave a deeper insight into the famous canine.

*H is for Happiness*. Candice Phee (Daisy Axon) and Douglas Benson (Wesley Patten) are joined by a Miniature Horse. Albany, Western Australia. Image by David Dare Parker ©Happiness Film Productions Pty Ltd

A number of the recently released projects are suitable for families, including H is For Happiness and science-centric ABCMe children’s television series ITCH which were both filmed in Albany, Go! (Go Karts! in the USA) which was filmed in Busselton and the Future Dreaming documentary and VR documentary experience, which explores the stories of young Indigenous people from Roebourne in WA’s Pilbara region.

The Cast of *ITCH* in Albany, Western Australia. ITCH is a Komixx Entertainment production for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Image by Nic Duncan.

“We know Western Australia boasts some of the best creative filmmakers and crew in the country and it is a testament to their hard work over the past eighteen months that we are now seeing their talents showcased and recognised across Australia and in international markets,” said Willie Rowe, CEO of Screenwest.

*Go!* A See Pictures Production. Jack (William Lodder) in number 78 in the lead, with Dean (Cooper van Grootel) in number 17 coming second, at the regional championships (Location: Hurricane Go Kart Club in Wundowie).

A particularly promising feature of the WA industry is the strength of work being created by Indigenous practitioners. The popularity of satirical ABC web series KGB written and directed by Dan and Luke Riches saw the series re-released on 1 January 2020. The exquisite Marni produced by Weerianna Street Media premiered on NITV and provided viewers an insight into the process of Indigenous artist Sandy Allery, as she paints and speaks about her life in Yindjibarndi language.

Screenwest is committed to supporting high-quality WA Screen productions and offers incentives and support for production companies wishing to film in Western Australia. In 2019 the organisation has had a specific focus on building capacity within the regions to become certified as Film Friendly.

“The Western Australian Regional Film Fund, funded through the State Government and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has been a game-changer for the state, allowing Screenwest to support the production of a number of projects released over the Summer, and there will be more to come in 2020!” announced Willie Rowe, CEO of Screenwest.

For more information about these amazing WA projects visit:

Screenwest