film and television opportunities for regional australians
the screenwest regional roadshow
Eva Di Blasio, Screenwest Talent Development Manager and Gabby Cole, Screenwest Production Attraction and Services Manager
Beating the ‘diversity’ drum from the comfort of an air-conditioned inner-city office really doesn’t cut it when it comes to issues of regional access…the only genuine solution is to get out on the dusty road. Screenwest is an organisation that shares our intent to nourish talent and increase creative opportunity within regional Australia. They’re committed to discovering, up-skilling and supporting people outside city centres by regularly travelling into the regions to facilitate in-person access through the Screenwest Regional Roadshow. Fortunately, Gabby Cole, Screenwest Production Attraction and Services Manager, and Eva Di Blasio, Screenwest Talent Development Manager have good banter and great taste in music, which is kind of essential given the extensive road trips they’re undertaking to deliver the roadshow! We can’t wait to share the behind the scenes action as they head into regional areas taking this program to a town near you.
Eva Presenting Pathways to the Screen Industry in Port Hedland photographed by Natasha Brady
We recently caught up with Gabby and Eva to understand more about the Screenwest Regional Roadshow and to get some advice about how to participate in the WA film industry.
Eva and Gabby can you please give us some background about what you do?
Hello, my name is Eva Di Blasio, and I’m the Talent Development Manager at Screenwest. My role is to support the WA screen sector by providing opportunities for practitioners at all stages of their career to develop skills and highlight industry pathways. This includes running workshops, short form initiatives and assisting with career opportunities through our current funding programs.
I’m Gabrielle Cole, I am the Production Attraction and Services Coordinator at Screenwest. My role is to attract interstate and international productions to Western Australia and connect them with locations, crew facilities and equipment. A large part of my role is the implementation of Film Friendly Western Australia. I also facilitate the crew attachment program and regional engagement through the Western Australian Regional Film Fund (WARFF).
Can you please tell us about the Film Friendly training program launched this year?
Whilst I (Gabby) was visiting Albany earlier this year a local asked me if the Screenwest funds were available for people outside of Perth and if it would be okay for them to call Screenwest with questions. It became clear it was important for Screenwest to connect with more practitioners in the regions. Eva does incredible work developing industry skills and providing support to emerging practitioners. She had the idea of offering Pathways to the Screen Industry workshop and one-on-one meetings to connect with regional practitioners and offer them practical advice. The workshop provides an overview of the WA screen industry and creates awareness around the opportunities that exist for practitioners looking to start their career or re-enter the sector.
Film Friendly Western Australia is a program which aims to make it easier to film in WA, and in turn, attract more productions to our beautiful state. The Film Friendly Regional Program, provides training to local government authorities which are interested in attracting film and television projects to their region. The training includes best practice for engaging with filmmakers, industry timeframes and process and an overview of what key departments such as Locations and the Art department do. The training is the first step for shires/councils being certified as Film Friendly Communities.
Screenwest is supported by State Government of Western Australia through the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries to deliver the Western Australian Regional Film Fund (WARFF). This fund’s purpose is to contribute to the liveability and vibrancy of regional WA. The WARFF also aims to build local capacity to accommodate screen projects, which sparked the idea for the Screenwest Regional Roadshow. The program has enabled us to visit all nine regions in Western Australia and offer the Pathways to Screen and Film Friendly training simultaneously.
Where have you taken the program so far?
Since launching the program in 2019 we’ve visited Broome (Kimberley), Port Headland (Pilbara), Geraldton (Midwest), Kalgoorlie (Goldfields and Esperance) and Mandurah (Peel region).
Which regions will you be headed to next year?
We’re heading to the Southwest, Great Southern, Wheatbelt and Gascoyne regions.
Who is this program for?
The Screenwest Regional Roadshow has two amazing offerings. The Pathways to the Screen Industry Workshop is designed for anyone in the industry or anyone interested in a career in the industry. This workshop offers an overview of Industry pathways and also outlines potential funding and practitioner development opportunities which are available through Screenwest.
The Film Friendly Workshop is designed for shires and councils, that are looking to attract productions to their regions and capitalise of the economic and cultural benefits screen productions can bring.
Port Headland pictured by Gabby on the regional roadshow
What are the benefits of building capacity within film and television in regional Australia?
Building capacity to accommodate film & television productions in the regions and empowering regional practitioners with information and training means we enrich our culture! We’re encouraging and supporting diverse storytelling from different voices that truly reflects all of Western Australia.
Many of our followers are story tellers and aspiring film makers but they don’t know where to start to pursue a career in film and television. What advice can you give them?
Here are our top tips:
1. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice! Read our website, look at our guidelines and sign up to our e-newsletters to find out about opportunities that are available. We’re always available to answer questions before you apply for funding or attend an event or workshop.
2. Find people who inspire you and research their pathways to get some ideas.
3. Connect with like-minded people in your community and start creating and sharing your work. You never know where it will lead!
4. Watch an array of screen projects. Film, TV, web series and more! Get to know what’s out there and learn what interests you.
How can people be involved in Film Friendly?
Any local governments interest in becoming film friendly can contact Gabby and register their interest at gabrielle.cole@screenwest .com.au or 08 6169 2117.
If you would like to get your local community involved please reach out and I can provide you with more information and hopefully some possible training dates.
Otherwise you can visit our website for more information.
In your experience, what is unique about filmmakers in Regional Australia?
Their distinctive perspectives and ‘can-do’ attitude! Regional filmmakers, particularly in Western Australia, aren’t afraid to think outside the box and have a genuine desire to connect with the communities in which they film their projects.
Do you have a memorable moment from the Film Friendly regional tour so far?
There are too many to mention, but we have loved connecting with the diverse range of practitioners in the regions we’ve visited so far. We also love how welcome we feel when we come to the regions. There is something special about regional Western Australian hospitality!
Regional Australia is known for its epic bakeries, and given baked goods are a road-trip necessity – what is your tip on best bakery or local lunch spot that you’ve stumbled across on your journey?
Can we pick more then one?! Café 312 in Kalgoorlie was delicious, and the staff were so friendly and helpful. Tarts & Co in Geraldton was also amazing. We worked from their adorable café when we landed, and they also provided the lunch catering for the Mid West Film Friendly workshops. We talk about those brownies and lemon slice.
Where can Rural Roomies find out more about the Film Friendly program and the opportunity for Regional West Australian filmmakers?
Rural Roomies should subscribe to our newsletter and social media channels for information, workshop and funding round dates and opportunities. They can also check our Film Friendly Resources for Filmmakers page on the Screenwest website and access other great resources like our In Conversation podcast.
Travelling into communities and working with creatives builds connections, confidence and consciousness. The Screenwest Regional Roadshow is an invaluable initiative designed to meaningfully empower regional creatives and we’re really fortunate to have this program available in WA. Next up they will be taking the Screenwest Regional Roadshow to Margaret River on the 26th and 27th as part of the incredible Emergence Festival.
We urge anyone with filmmaking aspirations, emerging or established, to take up the opportunity to participate in this program. Get out of your comfort zone and get into one of these workshops – you won’t regret it!
