The WA Screen Industry and COVID-19
Screenwest Update: COVID-19 Measures in Place
As you will be aware the...
Screenwest Update: COVID-19 Measures in Place
As you will be aware the Australian Government’s response to managing the spread of COVID-19 has rapidly changed over the last few days and new measures are being announced regularly.
In line with the best advice available from the Commonwealth and State authorities, Screenwest will be putting a number of measures in place.
- We have made the decision to postpone Screenwest-run events including the WA Documentary Sector Forum scheduled for tomorrow 17 March, and the WA Industry Networking Night on 31 March 2020. Those who have registered for these events will receive an event cancellation notice via Eventbrite.
- Travel Funding applications have been suspended until such time travel restrictions are reduced to a reasonable level. Applicants with current funding travel grants have been contacted with their options.
- The current Documentary Development Investment Fund has been extended until Tuesday, 14 April 2020 and Feature Track: Scripted Development Fund has been extended until Monday, 6 April 2020. Both funds will continue to be assessed as usual, as will the current Drama and Documentary Production Funding Rounds.
- We are currently working with producers regarding projects that have conditional funding commitments (projects that are contracting, and ones that are currently shooting or scheduled for production) to assess the likely impact on production in the state over the next six months.
- Clearly the impact on the sector is extremely serious, and companies and people who make their livelihood in our industry will be facing clear and serious challenges. Screenwest is currently evaluating resources and options to assist the sector. We will be working collaboratively with Industry Groups to put in place initiatives and plans that will aim to minimise impacts on practitioners and crew within the Western Australian Film Industry, where possible.
- Screenwest is working with our counterpart agencies across the country to share what we are doing and learn from our collective initiatives. We are contributing to Screen Australia’s submissions to the Federal Government to ensure we make a case for those members of our screen industry who are not covered by previously announced assistance packages.
- From Tuesday 17 March, Screenwest staff will be working remotely. All staff are still available via email and phone. It will be business as usual for Screenwest! We intend to maintain a very high level of business continuity during this uncertain period and we are confident that the plans we have implemented will deliver this.
Finally, this is a difficult time for all as we try to work through the best way of handling this unprecedented situation. Screenwest understands just how serious the situation is for our practitioners, along with the significant broader impacts for the industry in Western Australia. It is our aim to ensure we present the best case for WA practitioners and crew to be supported and developed as best as possible during this time and we will continue to update you as things progress.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
The Screenwest Team.