The Film Ballarat Hepburn and Beyond project was presented with one of only five National Awards for Economic Partnership at the Economic Development Australia Conference last night.
Northern Grampians Shire Council is part of a regional group which was formed out of Film Victoria and also includes Ballarat City, Moorabool Shire, Hepburn Shire, Pyrenees Shire and Ararat Rural City. Each Council contributed funds and expertise to the project.
The project, funded by Regional Development Victoria, involved the development of a website to assist film directors, producers and scouts in sourcing appropriate locations for their films.
The website is supported by postcards, business cards for each region, a photographic library and animated DVD. It includes over 1000 images and lists registration and management processes for each council.
Northern Grampians has already experienced the success of the project with parts of the blockbuster film Charlie and Boots being filmed in the region.
General Manager Business Services, Justine Linley, believes the Northern Grampians has much more to offer the film industry in the future and is excited about the ability of the Film Ballarat Hepburn and Beyond website to facilitate this.
“The landscapes we have here are truly unique and offer a range of options for film locations from our historic towns and buildings in St Arnaud, mining, gold and mountain scenery in Stawell, wine producing country in Great Western and the unique icon of the Grampians National Park”.
“We are currently updating our film policy so that the Parks Victoria information is also available from the website. The Grampians is known worldwide and shows incredible potential for the base of a major film”, Ms. Linley said.
The project began with Ballarat and Hepburn and later, under Film Victoria’s assistance, introduced the “beyond” regions including the Northern Grampians.
For more information on the project go to www.filmballarathepburnandbeyond.com.au
Enquiries to Amy Rhodes
Communications Coordinator
Phone: (03) 5358 8752
Mobile: 0403 366 025
Email: amy.rhodes@ngshire.vic.gov.au
