Screen industry reps inspect Fremantle film hub site

Film industry stakeholders have inspected an industrial site in O’Connor to assess its suitability as a location for a WA screen production hub.

A variety of professional film makers including directors, producers and actors visited the site at Jones Street this afternoon.

John Fairhead, a passionate local screen freelancer and Vice President of the Professional Film Crew Association of WA, said the Jones Street site represented an exciting shovel ready opportunity to quickly establish a home for the local screen industry.

“Within about six to eight months we could have this site set up to host projects currently known to be in development that will need a production base,” Mr Fairhead said.

“It would allow WA to take advantage of our unique global position and establish national and international connections who are seeking a COVID-safe production environment over the next year or two.

“With the support offered by the City of Fremantle, a Jones Street production hub could be established with minimal investment by the state government and would build capacity in crew, equipment and expertise through a consistent and sustainable level of production activity by providing a home for the WA screen industry.

“For the longer term industry is actively supportive of efforts to establish world class studio facilities for bigger national and international productions at another future proof site, and then Jones Street could be used as an overflow to the bigger production hub, an economical option for locally grown projects, also potentially as a creative screen hub or multi-purpose creative space.”

Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said establishing a screen production hub at Jones Street would be a welcome development.

“When the council adopted our Film Friendly City Policy in August last year it was part of our vision to establish a thriving film and television industry here in Fremantle,” 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.

“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.

“Plus we’re already home to a number of film-based production companies and have a lot of talented and creative people, so establishing a screen production hub in Fremantle would make a lot of sense.”

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 a film production 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.