Tony Hooper and Peter Cannon want Wyndham to become a film industry hub, and inset, the sculpture of a cat that the council spent $60,000. 82794 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI 69432
By XAVIER SMERDON
WYNDHAM could be Australia’s answer to Hollywood according to an ambitious plan that has been presented to the council.
Tony Hooper from Film West, a group that promotes creative arts and in particular the film industry in the western suburbs of Melbourne, has called on all levels of government to help create a major film industry in Wyndham.
A 32 page report has been submitted to Wyndham Council asking it to help build the local film industry by providing free or low cost access to professional grade facilities for film makers and the creation of a studio space.
The report also suggested funding for arts projects – like the $60,000 sculpture of a cat that was approved by the council last year – should be redirected to fund often overlooked areas like the film industry.
“There are a number of companies in the area specialising in the film industry,” Mr Hooper said.
“The talent is available, the locations well known, and the capacity to capitalise on a world market is no longer an impossible dream.”
As blue collar workers leave the West at an alarming rate, Mr Hooper said a film industry could bring a constant influx of employment into Wyndham.
“Fostering a permanent film industry in Wyndham and Hobsons Bay assists in plugging the economic leaks a lack of local work creates,” he said.
“It will also aid in the growth of a more sustainable local economy.”
Peter Cannon, a professional photographer and director said he is planning on filming a $500,000 movie in Wyndham next year.
“One thing about the film industry is it has the ability to support all the other arts with the money it could bring in,” Mr Cooper said.
“It could potentially bring tens of millions of dollars into Wyndham, and if it is done correctly it could bring in hundreds of millions.”
Mr Hooper said it was also important to give young members of the community the chance to be a part of the film industry.
“This proposal gives the youth of Wyndham a chance to express themselves on the world stage,” he said.
“It is through the medium of developing intellectual property that future wealth will be assured. Manufacturing may come and go, but ideas last a lifetime.”
Wyndham Council has received the proposal and a meeting with the Mayor and CEO has been scheduled for 21 June.
