New ‘film friendly’ programs and workshops being set up to adapt to the WA movie-making boom

It’s got a pretty nice ring to it… Westwood. That’s what they could be calling this side of the nation at the rate quality movies are being made here. And who knows, while Hollywood is rebuilding itself literally from the ashes, perhaps more producers and directors will begin to make their way to our shores and great south-western land to create their epic celluloid ventures.

When I was graduating in Media Studies from Edith Cowan University, back in 1990, there were hardly any ‘media’ opportunities in Perth, let alone in the film arena. So to the east coast I flew to start up my own entertainment publication, which would witness a blossoming film industry to write lots about. Celluloid creations were coming out of Fox Studios and the grittier suburbs of Sydney to film production lots on the Gold Coast, from Moulin Rouge and The Matrix to Pirates of the Caribbean and Godzilla vs Kong.

Now, finally, Western Australia can boast its own production lot in the form of Perth Film Studios set to open in 2026. Alongside this wonderful news is the announcement that Screenwest – that bastion of all things WA film-related – will be launching new ‘Film Friendly Western Australia’ resources and workshops for 2025.

Demand for shooting movies (and TV/stream series) in Western Australia is now booming thanks to the state’s striking locations, talented creatives and crew, and competitive production incentives. Indeed, WA is well and truly establishing itself as a major screen production destination.

The Film Friendly Western Australia certification program assists local governments to work with filmmakers, promote their locations. and prepare themselves for incoming film and television productions. It also helps filmmakers find ‘production-ready’ communities across the state.

Becoming film friendly “certified” sends a clear message to filmmakers that a community is serious about attracting productions, and these workshops will cover film production processes; social, economic and tourism benefits; ideas of what to expect if a production comes to town; how to support filmmakers; and how to identify and promote locations within your area.

WA already has five certified film friendly communities including the City of Albany and the City of Busselton. The City of Albany recently welcomed survival thriller We Bury the Dead starring Daisy Ridley (Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens) which has been selected to make its world premiere at the iconic South by Southwest Festival (SXSW) in Austin, Texas next month.

Says City of Albany Mayor, Greg Stocks, “The City is proud to be part of the Film Friendly program, ensuring filmmakers have seamless access to our unique landscapes while delivering opportunities for local businesses, schools and residents. Albany becomes a vibrant place to be when a production takes place in town, where the excitement can be felt across the region and a positive impact can be felt on local business, tourism, and economic development.”

The City of Busselton recently hosted psychological thriller The Surfer starring Academy Award winner Nicolas Cage (Arcadian, Leaving Las Vegas). The film has been selected to make its North American premiere also at the 2025 SXSW in Austin, following its world premiere at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival (where it received an eight-minute standing ovation).

Finally, the awe-inspiring beauty of the great state of WA will be on show for the whole world to see. Dibs on that name ‘Westwood’, by the way. I just know it’s going to take off.

Antonino Tati

For more information about the Film Friendly program, visit screenwest.com.au.

Westwood illustration, top of story by Michael Mastess © Cream Publishing 2025.