Screenwest Farewells Head of Production, Chris Veerhuis

Screenwest Head of Production Chris Veerhuis is hitching his caravan and moving on.  

After three and a half years implementing the Western Australian Production Attraction Incentive, overseeing the Documentary Production Fund and helping establish the Digital Games Fund, Chris and his family are taking the show on the road for an extended Australian adventure.  

Chris will depart Screenwest on 21 August having helped the industry achieve record growth and leaves with a strong slate of projects in the pipeline for 2026. 

“My time at Screenwest has been inspiring and rewarding on so many levels. I would like to thank the CEO, Board and Screenwest staff for allowing me to help craft the position the WA screen industry finds itself in right now. 

“I’d like to also give a shout out to all the agencies, studios, producers and production companies that have listened intently as I pitched our great state over the last few years! 

“With unprecedented levels of physical production underway, the studio set to open, a 20% PDV incentive in place, the Documentary and Digital Games sectors thriving and a list of Production Attraction projects that include The Twelve S2 and S3, The Surfer, The Travellers, Ghosts Australia, Reckless and an untitled scripted series based on infamous bank robber Brenden Abbott. I believe it’s a wonderful time for our local talent, cast and crew to shine. 

“I’ll leave with a hint of sadness, knowing there is so much still to come however am unbelievably exited to take the opportunity to be with my family on this extended road trip and experience all that this country has to offer.” 

Screenwest Chief Executive Rikki Lea Bestall said: “Chris has made an indelible mark with his relentless energy, passion and dedication to the Western Australia’s screen industry. We thank Chris for his contribution to Screenwest and the greater screen sector and wish him and his family a fun and memorable trip.”

Prior to joining Screenwest, Chris produced the AACTA award winning WA Feature Documentary, Facing Monsters, Co-Produced Feature Films Breath and Red Dog True Blue and Location Managed projects including Nicole Kidman’s Nine Perfect Strangers, WA hits Red Dog, Upright, Paper Planes, Jasper Jones and The Heights and the Victorian made ABC film Cliffy. 

Chris will continue to be a vocal advocate for all things Western Australia and will look forward to working with inbound Australian and International producers eager to take advantage of Australia’s most competitive Incentives once his time on the road winds down. 

Recruiting for a Head of Industry Development is underway. If you are interested or know someone who might be interested, information can be found here: Apply for Head of Industry Development 

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