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Lake Daylesford is one of many natural beauties attracting filmmakers to the Hepburn Shire area. Photo courtesy of Dale Callahan. |
Located in Central Victoria, Hepburn Shire Council is continuing to work with the film industry and its residents to create film friendly environs. As the ‘spa capital of Australia’, the region is renowned for its natural beauty and mineral springs reserves. Its native forests and rolling hills are just some of the reasons many filmmakers are attracted to the area.
In 2002, Council developed a Film Liaison Policy – Advice and Conditions. Prepared in response to requests for commercial and creative filming within Hepburn Shire, the policy encourages film production in the region, while controlling the impact on public assets and community lifestyle. It provides a framework to guide and assist Council staff in making decisions relating to all filming uses.
Many productions have been filmed on location in Hepburn Shire, including Ned Kelly, Salem’s Lot, Love’s Brother, The Man From Snowy River, Ponderosa, Mad Max and Halifax FP, as well as a number of commercials and student based films.
Under the policy, Council’s Film Liaison Officer is the first contact for filmmakers. This officer assists with streamlining permits, liaising with other Council departments and governmental bodies, local know how, location suggestions, accommodation and community contacts.
Council’s Economic Development, Tourism and Recreation Manager, Geoff Ryan, said the Film Policy has been enormously successful and it is time to see if it can be further developed.
“The film industry was involved in developing the policy initially and location managers tell us they really appreciate having the information readily available as it provides them certainty and saves them time and money,” he said. “The policy also protects residents and businesses from disruption. When Salem’s Lot was filmed in Creswick, the producers worked closely with businesses and contributed financially to those that were disrupted.”
Council is now calling on all parties to comment on the policy and contribute to its update to ensure it is meeting the current needs of the community and filmmakers.
“When done in cooperation with the community, filming has many economic benefits as crews and casts require accommodation, meals and the like for often extended periods,” Geoff Ryan said. “When the Man from Snowy River series was filmed in Newbury, it contributed $3.2 million to the area in direct spend by the crew. This does not take into account the money spent in the town by the cast who lived on site for several months.
“Filming in the Shire has also generated additional tourism, with visitors interested in seeing where the films were shot.”
The existing policy is available on Council’s website at www.hepburnshire.com.au
