PERTH Film Studios’ completion has been announced by the state government but questions remain over whether the world class facility will benefit local independent filmmakers in the hills and Swan region, or primarily serve to attract major interstate and international productions.

Perth Hills based production company Playtime Motion Pictures director and producer Steven J Mihaljevich said while the Whiteman facility will benefit crew and actors, the reality for independent filmmakers working with modest budgets remains uncertain.

“This is the million dollar question that has plagued us WA indie directors and producers for a while now,” he said.

“The truth is we don’t really know.

“We know that bigger scale productions will create great opportunities for WA crew and actors which is amazing.

“We know that big overseas productions will create buzz and excitement in our community, but what will it honestly do specifically for WA indie directors?”

Mr Mihaljevich said he was concerned the new arrival may possibly make things more difficult than they already were.

Mr Mihaljevich has produced The Xrossing in 2020, Violett in 2023, and his newest film Shed which was shot entirely in the Perth Hills and currently screening at festivals.

He said the facility’s high-end specifications suggest pricing will target bigger productions, potentially pricing out independent filmmakers.

“I would assume that because the Whiteman studios are built up to Hollywood spec and standard and given such a facility was very costly to build, prices will be high - targeting higher end productions,” he said.

A state government spokesperson said the facility represents a new chapter for the industry.

“The Perth Film studio is world-class and will welcome the first of many productions, including local productions, as a new era for the WA screen industry will begin,” the spokesperson said.

“The construction of Perth Film Studios will provide real career pathways, provide work and training for actors, camera operators, costume and set designers, sound and lighting technicians, video editors, makeup artists and many other roles.”

However, Mr Mihaljevich said most independent films in Perth operate on budgets ranging from $5000 to $250,000, with the majority sitting under $80,000 making high-end studio hire prices nearly impossible to afford.

“Most of us indie filmmakers write our scripts with budgets in mind; or that can be feasible to produce on a shoestring,” he said.

“Then, we somehow try to work magic to try and make it emulate the look of something with a million dollar budget or five.”

Mr Mihaljevich said his film Violett had a fairly decent budget for an independent production but fell nowhere near the $1 million mark, yet the team managed to create something that looks really good.

“Without a substantial budget, something always falls short,” he said.

“No one except true indie filmmakers really understand just how difficult, and painfully excruciating this can be particularly when many ‘cinegoers’ or critics are unable to judge a film in the merit or context of how they were made.”

The filmmaker said he was concerned about the challenges facing mid-career practitioners who have proven their ability to make quality films but struggle to secure ongoing support.

“Large scale productions are not going to hire a Perth director (as) they already have one in mind,” he said.

“It will be more difficult for the mid-career practitioners I suspect, but believe me, I hope I am wrong.”

Mr Mihaljevich revealed that despite producing three internationally award-winning feature films that have obtained distributors, had limited theatrical releases, and sold out screenings with audiences returning multiple times, none of his films received government funding.

“We have been rejected by Screenwest close to 10 times, even after building a strong track record,” he said.

“Every film I have directed; has been privately funded, and here’s the clincher, 80 per cent of that funding was from interstate.”

He said government institutions offer better incentives for first-time directors or veteran practitioners, leaving mid-career filmmakers in a funding gap.

“This is why so many indie filmmakers (who are) passionate and determined, take matters into their own hands, trying to make films for $20,000,” he said.

“It’s ludicrous – out of these films come a stack that won’t go past a local viewing for family and friends, but some are really good, and disappear into exile.”

The state government spokesperson emphasised the facility’s benefits for the Swan and Perth Hills community.

“The north-east corridor of Perth is continuing to grow and major projects like the Perth Film Studios create great local job opportunities for the local community,” they said.

Mr Mihaljevich said several changes could help independent filmmakers benefit from the new facility, including special rates, programs splitting funding across more projects with smaller amounts, and completion funding programs.

“As long as projects have a clear pathway to market and distributors in place, we could split the programs up so that there are more options but less funding for each,” he said.

“Create more options for matched funding or completion funding programs.

“So many quality films just need that last piece of funding to complete their films in the best way, but the programs make it very difficult for filmmakers.”

He warned that without proper support structures, the Whiteman studios could create an even bigger division in funding and quality.

“There is zero sustainability for indie filmmakers, and if we continue down this path, the Whiteman studios could create an even bigger division in funding and quality - possibly driving mid-career practitioners out of the industry altogether, or leaving their own state,” he said.

Despite his concerns, Mr Mihaljevich said he acknowledged that Screenwest offers more opportunities than many overseas government institutions and expressed hope that officials are considering these issues.

“I am hopeful that our government is discussing some of these considerations,” he said.

Mr Mihaljevich said the facility could help directors realise their visions if budgets allow and may provide opportunities for WA producers, particularly if overseas projects require Australian authenticity.

“It may even motivate government institutions to bring more support to well performing and proven mid-career filmmakers who have been working tirelessly for decades,” he said.

“We can only hope and keep the faith.

“Good luck to all WA filmmakers and I wish them every chance of success.”

*A previous edition said Malaga instead of Whiteman studios. The Perth Film Studios are located in the suburb of Whiteman.