Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk confident Trump tariffs won’t derail new Perth film studio

Negotiations are already underway for the first productions WA wants to lure to the new Perth film studios, but Simone McGurk won’t give away the script. “I’d have to kill you,” she joked. While giving The West Australian an exclusive tour of the $233 million facility, the Creative Industries Minister was confident Perth can beat the international competition for movie productions and even compete with Hollywood and Donald Trump. “We’ve got the most competitive attraction packages, don’t tell President Trump! But it’s true,” Ms McGurk said. The White House last week signed off on a 100 per cent tariff on any film made outside the United States, but the Minister is confident the film studio that has been nick-named “Malaga-wood” will stand up to that challenge. “The advice we’re getting is that there is enough going on in the UK, in other target markets whether that’s south-east Asia, parts of Europe, Japan and the like, that we can keep things going,” Ms McGurk said. Ms McGurk is no thespian, unlike former Arts Minister David Templeman, but Ms McGurk is an avid consumer and said re-naming the portfolio “Creative Industries” was recognition of the potential job-creating impact that film, music and art can have. They’re no longer an economic afterthought. “Absolutely, we’re investing $150 million on the concert hall, $255 million on this (film studio), plus extra money into film attractions, $57 million,” Ms McGurk said. “These studios will be the newest and the most cutting edge in terms of what they offer, in terms of scale and production facilities. “Everyone is telling me, this is really good. This will get people are talking about Western Australia, they’re already coming here for projects.” Applications are now open for the $5 million Screen Capacity Building Fund, aiming to help the local industry scale up to make the most of the new Malaga film studio’s four sound stages, finished make-up rooms, office space and a screening room that’s only missing the popcorn. It’s due to open early next year. “It’s on time, it’s on budget, it’s been a really good build,” the Minister said. “It really is about telling WA stories, developing and showcasing WA talent.” WA also offers a 10 per cent rebate under the production attraction incentive, managed by ScreenWest. Ms McGurk agreed home grown or WAAPA trained Aussie stars, like Hugh Jackman or Katherine Langford, are an obvious target. There’s even been rumours Johnny Depp could be a controversial opening act, linked to a production proposal. The Depp talk was swiftly dismissed as “speculation” by peak funding body Screenwest, that would only confirm it is “actively” talking to a number of studios. The Government is keen to manage expectations, and suggested the film studio’s operator Home Fire won’t necessarily be aiming for a high profile blockbuster straight away. “We’ve got to build capacity slowly and show what we can do here, that’s the plan,” Ms McGurk said. “We don’t come in too big and then run the risk of failing.” While aiming to lure foreign investment, local content and local stories will be a priority too. “I’m confident we have got that right, that we’ll be sort of erasing the tide and everyone will benefit from the investment, and also the extra local capacity that we’re growing, whether that’s through high schools, TAFE’s or university at places like ECU. “People are starting to see that there will be a career path for them here. “Its really what this portfolio is about and what we’re trying to emphasise . . . We’ve got something special here in Western Australia, we need to find the mechanisms to show it, to nurture it, to grow it and then to show it. “The Made in WA mantra is really perfect for what we’re doing with creative industries.”