The foundation is encouraging filmmakers to our region as well as supporting local talent.
Geelong Waterfront Film is encouraging filmmakers across Australia and beyond to embrace Victoria’s beautiful and diverse natural and built environments. In addition to hosting a growing directory of some of the region’s best local talent, the foundation is accepting donations for its Waterfront Film Foundation Public Fund initiative, giving filmmakers access to financial support in the form of grants.
They’re confident Geelong is on the cusp of becoming a vibrant “Film Hub”.
Key Takeaways
- Geelong Waterfront Film is highlighting the city’s exceptional filmmaking potential.
- They’re providing a platform for local talent to make connections and showcase their work.
- Supporters can donate to the foundation via their website.
Keep up with the latest in arts and entertainment via our website.
Geelong’s love affair with the silver screen stretches as far back as the 1950s, with sci-fi classic On the Beach featuring scenes filmed in Corio’s oil refinery. The region would later see itself as the backdrop of many pop-culture staples including George Miller’s Mad Max (1979) and Mark Steven Johnson’s Ghost Rider (2007). More recently, Geelong’s most familiar suburban scenery has been best showcased by its local talent, appearing in Jo-Anne Brechin’s Paper Champions (2020), starring Geelong actor Luke Saliba.
With such a rich history in cinema under its belt, it’s only natural the folks at Geelong Waterfront Film want to see the city’s filmography reach new heights.
Geelong Waterfront Film says to have a viable filmmaking industry in Geelong, we need to ensure more film and TV producers are knocking on our door. Not only that, we need to put the spotlight on local directors, producers, actors and other people in the industry.
The foundation is asking local film enthusiasts and any interested parties to become a “Friend of Geelong Waterfront Film” for a one-off $20 contribution. By doing so, supporters will be kept up to date on new developments and additions to the foundation’s Industry Database Directory, a compilation of Geelong and surround’s best and brightest filmmaking talent.
The database currently lists more than 20 groups and individuals eager to contribute to Geelong’s filmmaking scene, including those specialising in props, catering, production, animation, acting, education and more. Filmmakers and those involved with the industry will also score a complementary listing on the foundation’s as part of their contribution.
The database also features an extensive list of locally made films that support the industry from 1959-present, with links to trailers and other information available at a glance.
The Waterfront Film Database Project is supported by the City of Greater Geelong through the COVID-19 Arts, Culture and Heritage Recovery Grants program, providing support for those working in the arts, cultural and heritage sectors who have been impacted adversely by COVID-19.
Additionally, The Treasurer and the Minister for the Arts has approved the foundation’s addition to the Register of Cultural Organisations (ROCO), meaning it can now receive tax-deductible gifts from supporters.
Leigh Ryan, Creative Director at Geelong animation studio Pillowfort Creative, believes the project will foster a “strong, confident, diverse and potentially internationally recognised industry.”
“It looks to support artists not only at the end, when their films are made, but at the crucial start of their journey.”
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You can donate to the Waterfront Film Foundation Public Fund here.
