Whale Shark Jack and Drone Racers to film in WA's regions

• Western Australian Regional Screen Fund attracts two debut feature films to WA
• The features are set to film in the Gascoyne and Pilbara regions
• Productions will provide employment, tourism and economic boosts to local business
  

The Western Australian Regional Screen Fund has attracted two feature films to be shot in the Gascoyne and Pilbara regions.

Whale Shark Jack is a heart-warming feature film about a young girl embarking on a risky mission to save a whale shark.

The feature film will be the first scripted production to be filmed entirely in WA's Gascoyne region. Produced by WA company Cottesloe Films with siblings Miranda Edmonds (Producer, Director) and Khrob Edmonds (Director) at the helm, the feature film is written by Kathryn Lefroy. Tim White of The Furnace, Ned Kelly and Two Hands fame is also a Producer.

To be filmed in the Pilbara region, family feature Drone Racers follows unruly tween Esme who discovers a talent for the fun, futuristic sport of drone racing.

Produced by WA company WBMC with Aidan O'Bryan (Producer), James Grandison (Producer), Janelle Landers (Producer), Jessica Mitchell (Producer), Alison James (Director) and Jules Duncan (Writer).

The features will be the directorial scripted feature debuts for siblings Miranda and Khrob Edmonds and for Alison James. Combined, the features will deliver an estimated $4 million boost to the regions.

The $24 million Western Australian Regional Screen Fund has supported productions such as the upcoming feature film Kid Snow and popular ABC series Mystery Road: Origin, showcasing WA's spectacular landscapes, while generating tourism and economic boosts for Western Australia's regions.

The Western Australian Regional Screen Fund is funded by the State Government through the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, and is managed by Screenwest.

Comments attributed to Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:

"Our Western Australian film industry is flourishing and the McGowan Government will continue to support its growth.

"The creative teams behind these wonderful stories have chosen to film in WA's stunning regions, creating magnificent backdrops for these family feature films.

"The productions also provide great employment opportunities for WA cast and crew."

Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Don Punch:

"The Western Australian Regional Screen Fund is a terrific initiative that attracts national and international productions and companies to our shores, supporting local creative industries and enabling film makers to tell our unique stories and showcase our regions.

"This activity is not only great for local businesses, but also creates enduring benefits to tourism, communities and the State economy."

Minister's office - 6552 5400