LOCAL film and television commercial production companies are looking to Asia for projects to counter a slump in the local industry.
“We’re trying to get work from Asian clients and bring shoots back to WA, that’s our number one goal here. By making commercials here we can use local crews and local production companies,” said Tim Duffy, producer at Sauce Films.
With the WA market share in the national film industry slipping from 4.2 per cent to less than 2 per cent between 1995 – 1999, local production houses are looking for an alternative to local production.
Debra Allanson, chief executive of Screenwest believes the slump is part of a national pattern.
But Ms Allanson remains very positive about the future of the local industry saying there are several large productions going on.
“We are filming the feature film Let’s Get Skase and there is an adult animation series being produced in Perth by Melbourne’s Animation Works, and Barron Entertainment are in pre-production for a new children’s series called Wild Kat, and there are several ongoing documentary projects.”
Mark Zagar and Mr Duffy from Sauce films have just returned from pitching to advertising agencies in Singapore.
“WA has unique locations, it’s in close proximity and the creative people working in WA are world class” said Mr Duffy.
In September the government released the Film Industry Task Force report which recommended $12 million for an inner city film and TV precinct and $19 million in incentives and a new screen academy. However there is concern the WA Government will not be able to find the money to fund the recommendations.
