Applications open for screen industry capacity building program

  • Screenwest launches new Targeted Industry Capacity Building Program offering up to $100,000 per proposal
  • Seeking development proposals from operators and suppliers in the unit, lighting, gripping/rigging and catering departments
  • Part of $11.2 million WA Government commitment to support workforce development and industry capacity under the Western Australian Screen Industry Strategy

Screenwest has launched its new Targeted Industry Capacity Building Program, which aims to fast-track growth in key sectors of the Western Australian screen industry to better service growing production levels in the State.

The program is seeking industry development proposals from operators and suppliers in the unit, lighting, gripping/rigging and catering departments, with the aim to build capacity in these sectors ahead of the opening of the Perth Film Studios in 2026.

Funding of up to $100,000 is available for capacity development to support screen studio and location-based productions across the State.

The program is part of the WA Government’s $11.2 million commitment to support workforce development and industry capacity under the WA Screen Industry Strategy, a 10-year framework to guide investment and development in the WA screen industry – launched in April 2024.

The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) is working with Screenwest, the Arts and Culture Trust (ACT) and the future operators of the Perth Film Studios, Home Fire, to address both immediate and future production needs.

Support for industry capacity needs and smaller-scale screen infrastructure in production, post-production, digital and visual effects, and regionally-based production is highlighted as a medium-term initiative under the WA Screen Industry Strategy.

Applications close on Thursday, 6 February 2025 at 5:00pm AWST. Guidelines, application materials and eligibility criteria are available on the Screenwest website at https://www.screenwest.com.au/funding-incentives/skills-business-support/

Information about the WA Screen Industry Strategy is available on the DLGSC website at https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/culture-and-the-arts/western-australian-screen-industry-strategy-2024-2034

As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:

“It’s exciting to see our Government’s WA Screen Industry Strategy being put into action as we work to support local production, grow creative employment, attract public and private investment, diversify our economy, and showcase our great State as an attractive tourism destination.

“This round of the Targeted Industry Capacity Building Program is offering up to $100,000 per proposal from operators and suppliers in the key production areas of unit transport, lighting, gripping/rigging and catering to support growing production levels in our State.

“We want to create new highly-skilled jobs across the State, and ensure WA’s screen workforce is world-class, thriving, and ready for the increased opportunities as we deliver our Perth Film Studios in 2026.”

/Public Release. View in full here.