Western Australia’s growing film industry will benefit from the new $20 million Screen Production Attraction Fund – which will help to draw new job-creating film and television projects to the State. Western Australian Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman explained that the fund will be delivered as part of the McGowan Labor Government’s 2021-22 State Budget, the fund will support the development of Western Australia’s new $105 million film studio proposed at Fremantle’s Victoria Quay.
“Fremantle is an ideal location for the new film studio, with its close proximity to the city, public transport and a strong creative community.” Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk commented “The McGowan Government’s investment in the Screen Production Attraction Fund will maximise the local opportunities of the new facility, creating jobs and opening doors along the film making continuum.”
“The McGowan Government continues to support creative industries across the State. Their contribution not only creates entertainment, but also delivers much needed social and economic benefits.” Minister Templeman commented “Our investments in the Screen Production Attraction Fund and the new film studio will support skill development and training opportunities, to create a sustainable pathway for the WA screen sector. The State Budget is supporting jobs in new and emerging industries, diversifying the economy across a broad range of sectors – including cultural industries.”
Minister Templeman said that it will provide skills development and training opportunities to create a pathway for the WA screen industry, while helping to unlock Federal funding to support local productions. The new investment builds on the $16 million WA Screen Fund (formerly the WA Regional Film Fund) which has drawn national and international productions to regional WA – providing local jobs and tourism benefits. The Minister went on to explain that with the global screen industry valued at about $511 billion, the McGowan Government is supporting opportunities to bring job-creating productions to Western Australia, backing the local industry and helping to showcase the State to the world. The State Budget’s investments in the new film studio and Screen Production Attraction Fund will assist in leveraging the Commonwealth Government’s $540 million Location Incentive Program.
