WA television economy boosted by new international children's drama

3/6/03
Western Australia has been successful in attracting the production of a new children's television drama series to Perth.
Culture and the Arts Minister Sheila McHale said the production, 'Foreign Exchange', would tell the story of 14-year-old cousins Sean Bellini and Sinead O'Sullivan, who exchanged families for a year in Perth and County Galway in Ireland.
"The drama alternates between their respective adventures in a foreign landscape and their experiences in coming to terms with new friends, family and customs," Ms McHale said.
Southern Star, a major Australian media company, has set up this production in WA as a result of State Government support funding.
"Screenwest has invested $700,000 in the project," the Minister said.
"The co-production with Ireland will inject $4.5million of the $9.3million budget into the WA film industry, generating employment and exposure of WA locations around the world.
"The creator of the series is Western Australian John Rapsey and the producer is Susie Campbell.
"The majority of key cast and crew for the Australian shoot will be sourced from WA, including approximately 60 crew and 10 cast plus extras.
"Unlike many other productions, all post-production for the 26 episodes will take place in this State. This level of work for post-production companies will allow them to upgrade their facilities, benefiting the wider WA industry.
"Production will begin in January 2004 on the first series that will produce 26 episodes."
Foreign Exchange is due for completion in October 2004 and will be shown to audiences around Australia on the Nine Network and distributed internationally.
"The images captured as part of Foreign Exchange will demonstrate why Western Australia is a wonderful place to live, work, invest and recreate," Ms McHale said.
Minister's office: 9213 6900