Screenwest Takes Care of Business by Sustaining the WA Screen Industry
Screenwest Takes Care of Business by Sustaining the WA Screen Industry
Screenwest is...
Screenwest Takes Care of Business by Sustaining the WA Screen Industry
Screenwest is pleased to announce 60 companies and practitioners will share in over $1.5 million dollars in grant funding through the Taking Care of Business funding initiatives, as the WA screen industry prepares to recommence production.
The special one-off funding rounds were created from repurposed funds from the State Government of Western Australia through Lotterywest, to sustain and support production businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
The initiative acknowledges the role of production companies and producers in the development and attraction of screen projects to Western Australia and aims to create a healthy pipeline of production after the crisis and into the future. Likewise, the Fix It in Post round highlights the often unsung heroes of the screen industry, and the importance of maintaining a vibrant post-production sector in WA.
Screenwest CEO Willie Rowe said, “It was vitally important that we supported Western Australian producers, production companies and post-production companies during this crisis, as they are key drivers within the WA screen industry.”
He added, “It is envisaged that the funding will be used to innovate and strengthen these businesses during this time, so that Western Australia is ready to ‘open for business’ and primed for a busy production period.”
Recipient of Taking Care of Business funding, Producer and Head of Factor 30 Films, Melissa Kelly said, “We are impressed by the leadership Screenwest has shown during this difficult time for the screen industry. We are grateful to receive Taking Care of Business funding as it will enable us to keep our doors open over the next six months.”
Jodie and Leighton De Barros from Sea Dog TV International were also the recipients of funding through the Screenwest Taking Care of Business funding round. Both Jodie and Leighton are extremely appreciative of the support that this type of funding provides to enable the company to develop vital projects through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The funding has ensured that Sea Dog TV emerges with a strong development and production slate of Western Australian stories,” explained Leighton DeBarros, CEO and Executive Producer of Sea Dog TV International.
“Additionally, despite the Pandemic and with steadfast support from Screenwest, Sea Dog TV International is currently in production on the feature documentary Jaimen Hudson: From Sky to Sea and is looking forward to bringing this incredible story to Australian and International audiences in early 2021 in association with ABC Commercial, Fan-Force TV and NHK Japan,” he added.
The news that production is recommencing is exceptionally exciting news for Western Australia, with the Documentary sector leading the charge.
Screenwest Documentary Manager Paul Williams said, “Some of the stalwarts in the documentary sector have been able to continue production of their projects in a reduced capacity with Screenwest’s support, however it will be fantastic to see more production recommence again in the coming weeks. The stories that will be explored within the recently funded projects will be really eye-opening and unique to WA.”
Screenwest CEO Willie Rowe explained, “The support from the State Government of Western Australia through Lotterywest has made it possible for Screenwest to continue contracting screen productions through COVID-19.”
He added, “Western Australians should be exceptionally proud of the state’s documentary sector for their ability to explore layered subjects through a West Australian lens and to adapt rapidly during this unprecedented time.”
The recommencement of documentary production in Western Australia bodes well for the state, as it indicates drama productions which have been postponed or placed on hold could commence sooner than once anticipated. Screenwest has committed funding to a solid production slate in the second half of 2020, with a fantastic mix of documentary, feature films and television projects, ready to commence as soon as it is safe to do so.
Western Australia can also be proud of impending releases, which were held back during the closure of cinemas, with feature films Dirt Music and Rams still to be released.
A full list of companies supported through the Taking Care of Business funding programs will be released in the 2019-20 Annual Report. To keep up to date with film activity in Western Australia, visit the What’s in Production page on the Screenwest website.
Contact Screenwest
T: +61 8 6169 2100
E: info@screenwest.com.au
www.screenwest.com.au
www.filminwesternaustralia.com.au
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