The State Government has identified the need for the development of a screen production facility to respond to the growing production needs of the screen industry in the State, and attract international projects.

Opportunity

Innovative solutions are being invited for the development and operation of a screen production facility that comprises studio and related facilities to cater for Western Australia s growing screen needs.

The development of these facilities would complement the increased level of production experienced through the State Government s $16 million investment WA Screen Fund (previous named the WA Regional Film Fund) and Lotterywest investment.

The proposed facility would need to be designed to meet the needs of the emerging games and immersive technologies sectors.

The development of this facility will allow for an increase in WA screen production, providing increased screen output, addressing the loss of potential productions to other jurisdictions and providing significant economic impact.

Market-led proposal elements

This market-led proposal has three elements: site location; construction; and operation.

Prospective proponents are invited to respond to one or more of these elements.

The State Government is open to considering different proponents for the delivery of each element.

1 - Site location

The requirements for the location of the screen production facility are:

• within a 20 kilometre radius of the Perth central business district
• with sufficient land area for facilities and truck and vehicle access and parking (at least 10,000m2)
• potential to expand
• close to public transport
• land that is compatible to this type of use.

In addition, it is desirable that the facility be located in proximity to other cultural infrastructure.

The proposed screen production facility could be constructed on land made available by the State Government under a lease arrangement.

2 - Construction

The State Government is seeking proponents interested in building a screen production facility that meets the following requirements:

• sound stages (three or four) with 15-metre ceiling and large opening doors to enable drive-in access for large trucks
• one main sound stage (25,000ft2 to 40,000ft2 (2,323m2 to 3,716m2))
• at least two or three additional sound stages (10,000ft2 to15,000ft2 (929m2 to 1,394 m2))
• at least one space suitable for virtual production
• production offices, costume, make-up etc in each studio
• production workshops (at least 1,000m2)
• art department space
• lock-up storage
• parking for trucks and vehicles (3,000m2 to 4,000m2)
• dry hire areas for post-production, mixing and editing of rough cuts (no requirement for equipment to be installed)
• two construction workshops (at least 675m2 each)
• access to high capacity and secure data connections
• theatrette for sound mixing (40 to 50 seat) for watching rushes, screenings, viewings and as a skill development venue
• shared working spaces and collaboration areas
• engagement space for the public (for example, similar to ACMI in Melbourne).

3 - Operation

The State Government is seeking an operator that will deliver the following outcomes:

• day to day management and operation of the facility
• build key markets and attract investment
• maximise the benefits of the facility to the WA screen industry and the WA community
• encourage development of complementary businesses and creative industries

What are Problem and Opportunity Statements?

• POS are a flexible mechanism released by the Minister for Finance in March 2020 within the revised Market-led Proposals (MLP) Policy.
• POS allow government to provide focussed opportunities, inviting industry to respond with innovative solutions.
• POS effectively replace Stage 1 of the MLP process and will be assessed against the criteria of the MLP Policy
• POS retain the rigour and independence of an evaluation process supported by the probity principles of the MLP Policy.

POS Assessment Criteria

POS are addressed against five criteria of the MLP Policy:

• Strategic alignment - proposals align with government policy objectives and priorities, including proximity to cultural infrastructure and to provide event and entertainment capacity.
• Public interest - proposals have significant social, environmental, economic or financial benefits for Western Australians.
• Value for money - proposals represent value for money for Western Australians and are affordable in the context of budget priorities.
• Feasibility and capability of being delivered within a specified timeframe - proposals are feasible and the proponent has the financial and technical capacity, capability and expertise to deliver the outcomes successfully.
• Risk - any financial, reputational, political, and/or security risks to government from the proposal are acceptable and there is an appropriate allocation of risk between the proponent and government.

Contact Details

For enquiries relating to the film studio POS, contact

Lisa Fanciulli - Executive Director Infrastructure

Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries

Lisa.Fanciulli@dlqsc.wa.aov.au

For questions in relation to the POS process, please contact the Market-led<