Freo the perfect place for WA film hub

The City of Fremantle is putting itself forward as the perfect place to establish a production hub for WA’s film and television industry.

Last week on the Seven Network’s Flashpoint program American actor and producer Kate Walsh said Western Australia was an enticing location for major international film and television productions but required a studio with sound stages to make the most of the opportunity.

The Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice star, who has made a temporary home in Perth during the COVID-19 pandemic, even hinted that Fremantle would be the ideal setting for a project she had in development.

Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said the port city was an obvious choice for a film production hub.

“We are really keen to establish a thriving film and television industry here in Fremantle, which is why the council adopted our Film Friendly City Policy in August last year,” Mayor Pettitt said.

“Fremantle is a really attractive destination for film makers because we’ve got a great mix of locations, from beautiful heritage buildings to big industrial warehouses, funky shops and cafes and the river and the ocean.

 “Plus we’re already home to a number of film-based production companies and have a lot of talented and creative people who would be an asset on any film set.

“Establishing a film hub in Fremantle represents a great opportunity for local businesses that could provide services ranging from accommodation and catering right through to set construction and transportation.

“There are lots of sites within the City of Fremantle that would be perfectly suited to a large scale studio and production hub.”

The support on offer through Fremantle’s Film Friendly Policy includes having a single point of contact at the City of Fremantle to assist film productions with approvals, advice and local information.

The City will also waive or reduce filming permit fees, provide parking for production vehicles and assist in identifying temporary office space for the production crew and write letters of support to potential funding bodies or other stakeholders.

The level of support offered is based on criteria such as to what extent the film will promote Fremantle as a visitor destination, the size of the production crew and how long they’ll be based in Fremantle, the number of local jobs created and the production’s potential audience.

For more information visit the Film Friendly City page on the City of Fremantle website.