The McGowan Government has confirmed its support for Western Australia’s booming screen industry, with the presentation of a $7 million Lotterywest grant to Screenwest. The funding will further boost the screen sector in WA, which is currently the nation’s busiest filmmaking State for Australian film and television production.
Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman said the grant would go towards Screenwest’s 2018-19 funding programs, supporting and promoting Western Australian film, television and digital media production. Adding that the funding would also go towards skills development programs to grow creative jobs and the capacity of the local sector
“The Western Australian screen industry has seen incredible growth over the last 25 years, and this can be largely attributed to the Lotterywest support for Screenwest. In fact, we are now the busiest filmmaking State in the nation for Australian film and TV production, with seven feature films due to be filmed here over the next nine months. It is important that we enable WA stories to reach the screen, so a distinct Western Australian voice can touch audiences around the globe.” Minister Templeman commented.

Seven feature films are due to be filmed between now and June 2019, including Dirt Music, Rams, H is for Happiness, and other titles soon to be announced.

Minister Templeman made the announcement while visiting the set of feature film Dirt Music at the spectacular Cape Leveque in the Kimberley region. The film, starring Golden Globe and BAFTA Award nominee Kelly Macdonald, Garrett Hedlund and acclaimed actor David Wenham, commenced shooting in Western Australia this month.
“The McGowan Government is committed to the creative industries as a key economic driver and job creator.” Minister Templeman commented “Films like Dirt Music employ locals, boost the local economy and showcase our magnificent State to the world. It is thanks to those that play Lotterywest games and the small businesses who sell them that we can support organizations like Screenwest who contribute to growing our cultural industries.”
Dirt Music is a feature drama adapted from Tim Winton’s bestselling novel. As well as funding from Screenwest, the film received funding from the WA Regional Film Fund, administered by Screenwest, which is supported by the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program. The State Government has been the principal partner of Screenwest since 1993, providing more than $116 million in support. A Lotterywest grant to Screenwest last year supported the production of four feature films in the State and a range of funds, initiatives and professional activities.