The State Government has identified the need for the development of studio, digital and post-production facilities in Western Australia to meet the state’s growing screen infrastructure needs alongside the current location-based activity across regional Western Australia. 

The development of screen facilities will complement the increased level of production experienced through the State Government’s AU$16 million investment Western Australian Screen Fund (previously named the Western Australian Regional Film Fund) and support from Lotterywest.

It is envisaged that the proposed facilities would be designed to meet the needs of the local screen industry in addition to interstate and international productions in Western Australia. The proposed facility would also need to meet the requirements of the emerging games and immersive technologies sectors.

“Screenwest applauds the State Government’s foresight and commitment to investing in studio infrastructure for Western Australia. We are receiving an unprecedented volume of enquiries for projects to film in Western Australia and a lack of studio infrastructure has been a barrier to the state attracting larger budget screen productions,” said Screenwest CEO, Willie Rowe.

“We encourage the State Government to consider proposals which will support the local industry in addition to building the state’s capacity to attract interstate and international productions, to ensure a stable pipeline of work for our local crew and significant benefit to the WA economy. We look forward to working with them in what is an exceptionally exciting time for the WA Screen Industry!”

Read the full statement from Hon. Minister Templeman Minister for Local Government; Heritage; Culture and the Arts

A future studio should have the following parameters:

• a sound stage between 2,323 square metres and 3,716 square metres (25,000 sq ft to 40,000 sq ft) with a 15-metre ceiling and large opening doors so that trucks can drive in/out;
• two to three smaller sound stages of at least 929 square metres (10,000 sq ft);
• production offices of approximately 1,000 square metres;
• two construction workshops of at least 675 square metres each;
• costume, laundry, makeup and hair facilities; and
• lock-up storage and at least 3,000 square metres of parking for trucks and vehicles.

It is envisaged the screen facility would be located within 20 kilometres of the Perth central business district, close to public transport and with the potential for future expansion.