RED ROCK RUN FILM TO BENEFIT TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY

The Australian Hotels Association (WA) has welcomed the announcement today from the WA Government to provide $2 million in funding to bring Western Australian writer Meg Shields’ debut feature film Red Rock Run to the Pilbara.

The WA Governments support for Western Australia’s screen industry is expanding, with a blockbuster funding announcement of $9.2 million in Lotterywest grants for 2023-24 – an additional $1.5 million compared to the previous year.

The allocation of funds, facilitated by the WA Regional Screen Fund, incentivises films to choose regional Western Australia as their location. This initiative assists to diversify regional areas, enhance local capabilities, and enhance the quality of life and cultural richness within WA communities.

AHA(WA) CEO Bradley Woods said investment in the film industry benefits the hospitality and tourism industry as it provides a boost to the local economy, creates employment opportunities, raises location awareness and contributes to the overall development of the region.

Mr Woods said “Film productions typically spend significant amounts of money on various goods and services within the local economy. This includes hospitality and food and beverage and accommodation for the cast and crew. This infusion of funds directly benefits local businesses and stimulates economic activity.”

“Investment in this film may generate interest and curiosity among viewers. This can lead to increased tourism as fans visit the filming locations and explore the surrounding areas. The resulting tourism revenue can have a positive impact on local businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, and tour operators.”

The film will create 220 jobs for Western Australian cast, crew and extras, and is estimated to result in $5.9 million expenditure in the State, including $3.85 million regional expenditure with production commencing in Karratha in the Pilbara later this year.