- Production expected to have flow-on effects for tourism and jobs
- WA Regional Film Fund investment supports artistic endeavour
The spectacular scenery of Western Australia will once again create a breathtaking backdrop for an international film starting production this week.
Rams, an English adaptation of the award-winning Icelandic film Hrutar, stars Sam Neill (Jurassic Park, Sweet Country) and Michael Caton (The Castle, The Animal, Last Cab to Darwin) and will be filmed in the Great Southern region.
This film has received funding from the Western Australian Regional Film Fund, administered by Screenwest, with support from the State Government's Royalties for Regions program.
The fund invests in films that encourage regional industry activity, build local capacity and contribute to the liveability and vibrancy of regional WA communities.
In May this year, an adaptation of WA author Tim Winton's novel Breath - filmed entirely in the Great Southern region - was released to widespread acclaim. The film received an investment of $2 million from the State Government.
The stunningly shot film had a significant impact on the region's economy - supporting an estimated 150 jobs over the project's life and generating an estimated $5.6 million short-term benefit for the local economy.
Speaking from the set of Rams in Mount Barker today, Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman said he expected the new film would also provide an economic boost to the region.
As noted by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
"After the success of Breath, it's exciting to see another film shot in WA heading for the big screen. WA is blessed with a stunning natural landscape which wonderfully lends itself to this project.
"Having a major film in production is not only great for our creative community and allied industries but is also likely to inspire interstate and international audiences who see the film to visit WA."
As noted by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"WA is making a name for itself as an impressive backdrop for television and movie productions that attract big names.
"Producing films in WA is expected to provide significant job opportunities and benefits to the local economy, and invigorate tourism in the regions following their release.
"Filming productions in regional locations creates opportunities for local engagement and is creating a tangible sense of excitement in local communities across the State."
