Western Australia offers spectacular and versatile film locations spanning arid, temperate and tropical climates. The State is renowned for crystal clear blue skies and long days of brilliant sunshine. The capital, Perth, is located only minutes away from beautiful beaches and historical buildings and towns. Light traffic allowing easy access around the city, minimal location fees, professional facilities and innovative funding opportunities makes Western Australia a competitive and film friendly location.
ScreenWest is Western Australia's film funding and development agency dedicated to the growth and promotion of film and television activity in this State. We aim to provide leadership, support and services to advance Western Australia as an internationally recognised centre for screen production.
For all the latest news and information on the Western Australian screen industry subscribe to Screen Online by visiting the ScreenWest website.
ScreenWest's funding and support programmes are designed to:
- foster the development and production of quality, marketable film and television projects;
- extend the creative and professional development of Western Australia's film and television program makers;
- promote Western Australian screen culture.
ScreenWest's priorities for funding are in the areas of drama (including children's and animated drama) and documentary. Projects can be either a series or a one-off program, however they must be designed for theatrical release or television transmission and normally be at least a commercial half hour in duration.
Preference is given to projects involving Western Australian writers, directors and/or producers.
ScreenWest and the Western Australian film and television industry gratefully acknowledge the support of Lotterywest, who provides $4 million a year in support of the schemes outlined in these guidelines.
Film permits
Many areas of Western Australia require permits for filming. Permits are needed for all National Parks, Aboriginal Lands and many towns and cities. For National Parks contact the Department of Environment and Conservation.
For all other inquiries contact the local shire or council in that area.
Permits for Aboriginal lands
Western Australia's Indigenous people are embracing tourism opportunities as a means of economic sustainability for their families and communities.
Increasingly they are inviting Western Australians, as well as national and international tourists, onto their lands to experience Indigenous culture and lifestyle and the breathtaking beauty of remote and regional Western Australia.
Permission to visit and/or film these communities is granted through the Aboriginal Lands Trust at the Department of Indigenous Affairs.
Transit Permits are designed to protect the privacy of Aboriginal communities, preserve Aboriginal heritage and culture and safeguard the natural environment. Importantly, they assist in ensuring visitor safety.
There is no cost for the permit, which is a legal requirement under the Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority (AAPA).
People of Aboriginal descent, members of either House of Parliament in both the State and Commonwealth Governments and others authorised by the AAPA are exempt.
Permits are granted for a period of time sufficient to allow travel through the reserve by the most direct route. Permission can also be obtained from the resident Aboriginal communities for applicants who want to travel off the main road.
Permits are not required for travel on public roads. Media should contact the Department of Indigenous Affairs direct regarding film permit requirements.
The Department of Indigenous Affairs can be contacted via telephone on +61 8 9235 8000 or online.