Western Australian Screen Awards celebrate thriving local industry

The Western Australian screen industry celebrated excellence in film and television production at the 22nd Western Australian Screen Awards (WASA) which were held at the Octagon Theatre tonight.

Culture and the Arts Minister John Day said WA-made productions were being viewed by hundreds of millions of people around the world.

"In the past 12 months, local productions have screened on television in Germany, France, Britain, Asia and the Middle East.  In Australia, WA projects screen almost weekly on national television networks," Mr Day said. 

"The awards celebrate the creativity, hard work and talent that make this possible.  They also acknowledge the work of emerging practitioners."

The inaugural Lotterywest Award for Outstanding Production for a film or television production that reached Australian screens in the calendar year 2008, was awarded to the television series 'Who Do You Think You Are?',produced by Celia Tait of Artemis International with Serendipity Productions.

"Since its release, 'Who Do You Think You Are?'has received strong acclaim from viewers across the country.  With a very impressive online media presence and high profile subjects, the series was a ratings hit for SBS.  The first episode secured the largest audience share for an Australian production for SBS ever - an enormous achievement," the Minister said.

The Young Filmmaker of the Year - presented to a filmmaker aged 25 years or younger - was awarded to Antony Webb.

"Graduating from Curtin University of Technology in 2002 with a passion for cinematography, Antony has worked on a number of short films as a producer, editor, cinematographer and writer.  His projects have had widespread festival success; a testament to his dedication to produce a high standard of work," Mr Day said.

"Antony co-produced his first feature film, 'The Actress', in 2004.  Shot for only $700, 'The Actress' has screened at 12 international film festivals including Slamdance, Methodfest and the Melbourne Underground Film Festival.  In 2007, the film earned a DVD distribution deal and is now available in Australia and New Zealand."

Broadcasting industry stalwart Kevin Campbell was recognised for his long-standing contribution and awarded the Lotterywest Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Industry.

"For 35 years, Kevin has tirelessly worked in and supported the screen industry," the Minister said.

"From 1988 to 1991, he was managing director of the national Seven Television Network and from 1991 to 1999 he was chairman and managing director of TVW Enterprises Ltd (Channel Seven Perth).

"His involvement with the broader industry includes being a past board member and chairman of ScreenWest, chairman of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, chair of Lotterywest and a member of Edith Cowan University Council.

"In 1998, Kevin was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his contribution to broadcasting, business and community service activities.

"Kevin has left an indelible mark on the local and wider screen industry."

'The Fabulous Flag Sisters', a documentaryproduced by Mago Films for SBS and Fox Italy,won four Lotterywest Awards for Excellence in Craft in the categories of Cinematography, Editing, Directing and Documentary Production.

In the Early Careers Categories, practitioners on the short-film'Tinglewood'won four awards: Best Visual Effects, Sound, Actor and the People's Choice Award.

Hosted by the Film and Television Institute, CEO Graeme Sward said the WASAs have grown alongside the screen industry.

"Over the last few years the State has seen a strong growth in screen production and the high quality of entries for the screen awards, across all categories, indicates a very positive outlook for the future of the local industry," Mr Sward said.

Minister's office - 9213 6600