Councils and regions keen to get unrivaled exposure for their towns and shires by securing economically valuable shoots from Australia’s $6.1 billion film and television sector are being urged to put their best foot forward for a new industry profile of camera friendly locations.
The Australian Location Report, compiled by Government News’ sister journal Inside Film Magazine is seeking out entries for available locations across Australia, whether they be secluded pristine beaches, gritty inner city laneways or vast tracts of open landscape and big sky.
“It’s an annual opportunity too valuable to miss,” said IF Magazine editor Emily Blatchford.
“When film and television productions come to town, the potential benefits are monumental. Besides the immediate and obvious regional economic gains, additional longer-term upside includes economic growth from stimulating tourism, attracting events and ongoing marketing and promotional benefits.”
For councils and regions to successfully attract lucrative shoots and productions – whether they’re for film, television or even commercials – there’s some simple common sense practical steps that can be taken in advance.
These include marketing not just locations but also the availability of local crew, equipment and expertise that are all needed during the production process.
Most State Screen bodies already undertake a standardised set of activities to attract productions which often extend to free or subsidised services ranging from scouting locations within their area, to negotiating and trouble-shooting processes for applications and approvals often needed from a gamut of government bodies.
Crucially, the IF Magazine Australian Location Report will also detail the offerings of each State Funding body and local government, many of which have recently expanded their incentives or eased permit process requirements.
With the report due to be published in the April/May print and digital edition of IF Magazine, as well as being made available as a downloadable report on if.com.au, Ms Blatchford said there was no time to waste — especially now there’s scope to include extensive rich content including high quality photo galleries and video playback both online and as a dedicated IF Magazine app.
“This is an independent industry resource that has become the sought after go-to guide and one stop shop for screen professionals hunting for hundreds of locations a year,” Ms Blatchford said.
Interested councils should contact Inside Film Magazine editor Emily Blatchford on (02) 8586 6139 or at: eblatchford@if.com.au
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