Tapping into movie potential for region
REBECCA Metcalf has wanted to make films since she was a child, and has realised her lifelong dream with her short film called Development.
The young director was the first recipient of the Geelong Waterfront Film Foundation grant, which aims to foster filming in the region.
Ms Metcalf said the funds would go towards the overall budget for her film, which was shot around the Geelong region.
She said she loved the experience of filming in Geelong, with its many positive attributes.
“I’ve found that everybody is so supportive,” she said.
“Everybody was really willing to help.
“In terms of moving around, too, Geelong is so easy . . . and it looks beautiful.
“I feel like there’s already a thriving film industry within Geelong that we were able to tap in to.
“I’m so grateful that we shot in Geelong.”
Ms Metcalf said it was important people appreciated the film industry, and indepen
dent film, as they could be great economic drivers.
She said funding support from organisations outside government was key.
“The film industry encompasses so many different skills and trades,” she said.
“Any support that goes into supporting them and allowing people to make film is put back in (to the economy).”
GWF director Gavan O’Connor said Geelong should nurture all filmmakers – independent and commercial.
“Geelong has the capacity to encourage and welcome big-budget films and support independent filmmakers,” Mr O’Connor said.
“The overall aim of GWF is to expand film production in the Geelong region, by supporting local content creators, and encouraging external production companies to shoot all or part of their projects here by taking advantage of our filmrelated skill base, and the diversity of locations in the region.”
Creative Industries Minister
Danny Pearson said the state government would continue to invest in the region’s film development to ensure ongoing benefits to local skills development, jobs and businesses.
“Our $191.5m VicScreen strategy is all about increasing opportunities for our screen industry, from attracting international productions that boost local jobs and skills to investing in local content and projects that are viewed around the world,” Mr Pearson said.