24/3/02
The State Government has invested $385,000 in the production of a new 13-part television children's drama series that will be filmed entirely on location in Broome and contribute more than $10million to the Kimberley economy over a two-year period.
Premier Geoff Gallop said that $3.3million of the production's total $5million budget would be spent in the Kimberley region.
"According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics multipliers for film and television production, this will result in a contribution of more than $10million to the Kimberley economy over a two-year period and create more than 100 new jobs," Dr Gallop said.
The film will also promote Broome as a tourist destination to national and international audiences.
The series is about the adventures of a group of boys and girls of all colours and creeds who search for the mythical Ocean Star, a cluster of priceless pearls that were lost in a cyclone 40 years ago.
Dr Gallop said the series would thematically highlight Broome's pearling heritage and depict the multicultural nature of the Broome community.
"With Broome's unique locations being broadcast nationally to Australian audiences on Channel 10 and distributed to international audiences, including in the United Kingdom through the BBC, Western Australian tourism will be promoted," he said.
Culture and the Arts Minister Sheila McHale said a significant proportion of WA crew and cast would be employed on the production, including local directors and scriptwriters.
"A 10-week acting workshop for children is currently being conducted in Broome to ensure as many locals as possible are used in the production," Ms McHale said.
"In addition to the employment opportunities, the series will further enhance Western Australia's reputation in the production of quality children's drama."
The investment by the State Government through ScreenWest and the Lotteries Commission is part of a financing partnership involving the Ten Network, BBC, the Australian Film Finance Corporation, Film Victoria, Disney Channel Australia and Fireworks, an American distribution company.
Premier's office: 9222 9475
Minister's office: 9213 6900
