Shark Bay ready to take a bite of filmmaking industry

Shark Bay is now officially open to the filmmaking industry after the Shire’s successful application to Screenwest to be labelled a film-friendly location.

The accreditation aims to attract productions to the State by cutting red tape to make it easier to shoot in the region.

Shire president Cheryl Cowell said she was “thrilled” with the accreditation, which would highlight the Shire’s natural environment and community to future film productions.

“This is our opportunity to showcase our stunning landscapes, unique locations and pristine environment to the world through film and media,” she said.

At the Shire’s ordinary council meeting on February 24, councillors voted unanimously to endorse the film-friendly status.

“Data from Screenwest shows that there is a significant tourism and economic benefit to the region if a company comes to film part, or all, of a production,” Shire community development manager Deb Wilkes told councillors.

Only two local governments, including the Shire of West Arthur, have achieved the title since the program was launched in 2019.

Screenwest production attraction and services manager Gabrielle Cole said the program was designed around the goal of attracting more productions to WA.

“I am incredibly excited to promote them and their unique landscapes as film friendly, allowing our communities to benefit from the economic and cultural outcomes productions bring,” she said.