A Point Cook filmmaker wants to make Wyndham a mini-Hollywood, creating diverse jobs especially for youth.
Tony Hooper, of Thorium Films, said the municipality could copy the example of New Orleans, where after Hurricane Katrina filmmakers created a new industry that now rivals the movie capital in Los Angeles.
He said changes in technology and their affordability meant independent filmmakers could create movies that were once the domain of established studios.
“It is this independent film production capability that gives Wyndham an opportunity to increase its economic activity, especially in light of the digital age and the region’s proximity to Melbourne, Avalon [airport] and beyond,” Mr Hooper said.
He said encouraging filmmakers to set up in the western suburbs through government seed grants would help local youth find career paths.
Mr Hooper said trainees or apprentices hired to build film sets could learn the skill of carpentry; costume designers and makers could go into the fashion world; film-set caterers could move into mainstream catering; and electrical technicians could apply skills to ordinary projects.
Wyndham has already been used as a location in several films, including Ghost Rider in 2007 and Where the Wild Things Are in 2009.
Mr Hooper said Point Cook’s air force base had one of only three horizon water tanks in the world. The tank, next to the sea, lets filmmakers shoot an ocean horizon without having to be in the middle of the sea. He said it was used in television productions of Moby Dick and Noah’s Ark.
Mr Hooper’s vision is supported by Open Channel, Victoria’s leading independent film training centre, which has a mobile training unit.
“I’m happy to voice my support for the vision, for the development of a sustainable film industry in the Wyndham region, and the cultural, social and economic benefits that such an industry can bring,” said Open Channel spokesman Daniel Schultheis.
