ScreenWest will streamline post-production rebates starting next month, offering 20% on all qualification spending, making it Australia’s most competitive state-based rebates.
So far, WA’s PDV incentives have provided 20% of their initial spending of $500,000 (up to $100,000), and an additional 10% rebates for all spending over $500,000.
Under the new rebates, minimum spending remains the same. AUD$ 100,000. Funded by the Local Government, Sports and Culture Industry Bureau, the final amount will be determined upon delivery. Unlike other states, fundraising remains discretionary, according to previous rebates. Even if the applicant meets all criteria, it is not automatic.
This can be used in addition to a 30% federal offset. This provides a 30% tax rebate calculated on qualifying mail, digital and visual effects (PDV) production expenditures for production of at least $500,000.
ScreenWest CEO Rikki Lea Bestall said the new incentive was “directed straight to encourage Western Australia to more post-production projects to do business with state practitioners.
“Western Australia has a stable pipeline of scripted and documentary works. These productions are being filmed in our state locations and studios, which will only increase when Perth Film Studios opens in Malaga,” she said.
“But many of these projects take the next stage of production elsewhere, and we want to make sure our state is considered a suitable place to do business in all aspects of screen production.
“We expect this change to significantly increase the level of post-production and visual effects in Western Australia, and to help the state market and promotion as a film destination nationally and internationally.”
The PDV announcement comes as WA Premier Roger Cook announced in April that construction of Perthfilm Studios was 60% complete.
The $233.5 million production facility will feature two 20,000 square feet of soundstages, two 25,000 square feet of soundstages, two large workshops, a five-acre backlot and multi-purpose area, and stage merging that includes spaces for costumes, makeup, offices, editing, storage and green rooms.
The site, which is set to open early next year, will receive an additional $57 million investment from the state government to support early operations and facility management over the first decade under an operational agreement with Perth-based company Home Fire.
“Investing in Perthfilm Studios is another example of what we’re working to achieve that goal by diversifying our economy for the future and creating more here,” Cook said.
“Perthfilm Studios will establish Western Australia as a major creative centre for international and national film, television and digital media production.”
Find new guidelines for PDV incentives here.
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