Press release from ScreenWest
The WA screen industry recorded its most productive year ever in 2008-09 with ScreenWest investment of $5.33million helping achieve production valued at an estimated $42.15million. Read on for highlights of the ScreenWest Annual Report 2008-09.
During 2008-09, ScreenWest – with funding from Lotterywest and the WA Government – allocated $9.7million to produce ‘creative’ outcomes.
Highlights of the year include:
– The total hours of production 72.5 hours up from 55 hours the previous year.
– First year of the new ScreenWest-ABC Matched-Prime Time Fund, which will provide $3.2million over two years. The Fund has already seen great results with feature film Bran Nue Dae and documentaries Skippy: Australia’s First Superstar, Addicted to Money, Terror in Mumbai, and Royal Romance produced, and Indigenous docu-drama Jandamarra’s War is currently in pre-production.
– Singapore’s Media Development Authority (MDA) and ScreenWest launched the Cross-Media Development Initiative to encourage film producers from both countries to jointly develop concepts for television and cross-platform digital media. Two projects have received US$30,000 in development funding so far, with a second round currently open for applications.
– New T-Vis intensive screenwriting workshop program implemented for the first time and a great success.
– Four major productions – Bran Nue Dae, Mad Bastards, Lockie Leonard 2, The Circuit 2 plus short film Layoordoo filmed in regional Western Australia, directly spending more than $13.5million in WA.
– Indigenous Production Strategy 2009-2013 developed in consultation with regional Indigenous filmmakers.
– The new Indigenous Community Stories initiative recorded 11 Indigenous communities telling their stories, thereby providing cultural records for future generations.
– Comprehensive review of ScreenWest Funding Program undertaken in consultation with the screen industry associations, WA screen companies and practitioners. The new guidelines will streamline processes and ensure maximisation of funding provided.
To download the Annual Report visit the Publications page on the ScreenWest website.