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Overview
Taking advanatge of the pristine and unique locations Western also means working in remote areas and a lack of infrastructure and associated services that are taken for granted when working in cities and towns.
Here are some of the production issues that production companies need to be aware of before quoting jobs for clients.
Native Title
Native title is the recognition by Australian law that some Indigenous people have rights and interests to the land that come from their traditional laws and customs. It falls into two categories: Exclusive and Non-Exlcusive and there are fees associated with accessing these areas as well as employing a Cultural Liaison Officer (CLO) for the duration of the shoot (their job is advisory but also to ensure that sites and areas of significance are appropriately navigated). Nearly half of Western Australia is under or pending Native Title.
The relevent Indigenous Corporation needs to be approached and dialogue set-up. This can only be done in person and quite often it will require meeting the elders in person at a monthly board meeting. While telephone and/or email is fine for making the initial approach, it is not good practice subsequently and a face to face is usually madatory.
Government
In almost all instances across the State either the local Shire, Department of Conservation and the Department of Planning and Infrastructure or a combination thereof will need to be approached and various permissions and/or releases obtained.
Pastoral Stations
Well over half of rural Western Australia falls under Pastoral Leases. These Station Owners are invariably worth their weight in gold when shooting in regional locations and should be accounted for and recompensed appropriately. Almost all pastoral stations are leased and therefore possibly subject to Native Title and Government clearance as well.
Insurance
Research, quote, research and ask the questions. Car insurance is a big one. Some areas of the State are insured dawn to dusk only, meaning you are no longer insured/covered after dark. In more remote areas insurance applies strictly to gazetted roads only, and additional insurances will be required to go "off-road"or drive "after dark".
Accounting
There are tax breaks for individuals and companies working above the 27th Parallel. Usually applicable only to longer term productions but worth having your accountant investigate to see if they apply.
Expenses
Country WA is expensive and the more remote you go the more expensive it becomes. Fuel can be as high $2.30 a litre and while all service stations carry diesel not all carry unleaded or LPG. Food and other basic supplies and services should be budgeted at least 15% higher than metro prices.
If you have any questions or require further information about production in WA please use the contact details below (right).
