Western Australia’s government has stepped in to ensure actors recruited for the first open days at the $233.5 million Perth Film Studios are paid, after they were initially offered meals and the chance to gain “exposure” rather than a fee.
More than 30 actors had been sought by contractor West Coast Crew to appear in a live music video shoot during the events at the new studio in Malaga on 11 and 12 September. Roles included kung fu fighters, police officers and zombies.
An email circulated by the contractor described the work as an “unpaid opportunity”. Participants were told they would receive meals, access to the finished video for possible showreel use and the chance to work with experienced directors and crew.
The music video is part of a behind-the-scenes production planned for visitors during the open days, which are intended to showcase Western Australia’s screen industry and the facilities at Perth Film Studios.
Government intervenes over unpaid actors
Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk said the Cook Government had not known actors were being asked to volunteer and had intervened after the arrangement came to light.
“It is the state government’s expectation that actors are paid for their time and expertise and has intervened to ensure that happens,” a spokeswoman for Ms McGurk said.
She said West Coast Crew had been contracted and paid by the Arts and Culture Trust, which manages Perth Film Studios on behalf of the state. The decision to seek volunteer extras had been made by the contractor, she said.
Julie Freeman, the opposition’s shadow minister for Creative Industries, criticised the proposal as a poor way to launch a project intended to expand the state’s creative economy.
“Perth Film Studios was sold as an investment in Western Australia’s screen industry, designed to attract productions, create jobs and build a sustainable local industry,” she said.
“Instead, the studio’s opening weekend is relying on local actors and crew to work for free.”
Rick Heath, executive director of the Chamber of Arts and Culture WA, welcomed the government’s intervention and said the original request was deeply offensive to professional performers.
“The notion of professional people volunteering their time for ‘exposure’ is something that we absolutely need to address and move on from, which is about the sustainability of the industry and the careers for West Australian talent,” he said.
West Coast Crew was approached for comment but had not responded.
The two-day programme will begin with a careers day for school, TAFE and tertiary students on Friday 11 September, followed by a public open day on Saturday 12 September. The programme includes live demonstrations, industry talks, hands-on activities and a chance to observe production taking place inside the studio.
The open days are being presented by the Arts and Culture Trust and the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport. The current allocation of free tickets has been exhausted, with a waitlist available for the public event.
The facility is also currently being used for production on Two Birds, a series made for Stan and ITV, according to the Western Australian Government.
