Attune to the changing structure of industry in Australia, Newcastle has seized on the growing demand for Australian film and television production.
For the last 12 months, under the leadership of Council’s Economic Coordinator and Tourism Manager, Jenny Roberts, the City has been preparing a package to promote the area as an ideal location for film and television production.
“The Hunter region provides a wide range of locations, including farms, forests, beaches, industrial sites, residential streets, historic precincts and modern streetscapes,” Jenny Roberts said. “The message from the industry has been that Sydney is expensive, particularly in the lead up to the Olympics. Just two hours away, Newcastle can deliver similar locations with an improved lifestyle and cheaper facilities all round.”
She said the idea to promote Newcastle as a film location site arose out of community discussions, which took place following the announcement in 1997 of the impending closure of BHP. The decline of the steel making industry was seen as an opportunity to reposition and ‘re image’ Newcastle for a brighter future.
“What was an unusual outcome of the community forum was that for the first time the arts, as a driver of economic change, was given equal emphasis as defence and engineering projects,” Jenny Roberts said.
The strategy Council has developed uses film and television as an easy way to promote the arts. The aim is to create a film friendly environment. A location portfolio clearly setting out what the region has to offer, and development of a film friendly protocol has led to a steady stream of inquiries.
A significant benefit of attracting the film and television industry to the region is the added impetus it will give to the local arts community. “Many actors, musicians, artists and writers live in Newcastle and the growth of film and television production here will boost their opportunities and enhance their skills,” Jenny said.
As well as the immediate injection of money into the local economy by film crews working in the area, people’s travel habits are influenced by the films they see thereby giving tourism an additional boost. Newcastle is also developing its own film and television service with the Hunter Film and Television Service to be officially launched this month.
For further information contact Jenny Roberts, telephone (02) 4974 2887
