Two feature films — Whale Shark Jack and Drone Racers — have received the green light to be shot in the Gascoyne and Pilbara regions.
With support from the Western Australian Regional Screen Fund, the films will serve as the feature directorial debuts for WA filmmakers, Miranda and Khrob Edmonds, and Alison James.
Shooting for both is expected to begin later this year and will inject $4 million into the Pilbara and Gascoyne regions.
“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,” Culture and Arts Minister David Templeman said.
Set in the breathtaking Ningaloo Reef, Whale Shark centres around 11-year-old Sarah who is best friends with a whale shark named Jack. After moving to the coastal town of Exmouth with her dad, Sarah hopes to see Jack again in his annual migration, but when he fails to return, she embarks on a risky mission to find him.
It is written by Kathryn Lefroy (Library of Love), directed by the Edmonds siblings, and produced by Miranda, Tim White (I Am Mother), Kelvin Munro, and Philip Wade.
Filmed across the Pilbara region, Drone Racers follows unruly tween, Esme, who discovers she has a talent for the futuristic sport of drone racing.
James is directing from an original screenplay by Jules Duncan (Rams). Aidan O’Bryan (Rams), Janelle Landers (Son of a Gun), Jessica Mitchell (Yardbird), and James Grandison (Blueback) will come on as producers.
“This activity is not only great for local businesses, but also creates enduring benefits to tourism, communities and the State economy,” Regional Development Minister Don Puch commented.
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Lead Image: IMDB
