/News 31.07.23

LOCATION SPOTLIGHT: THE PILBARA, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Twice the size of the United Kingdom, the epic Pilbara region of Western Australia has some of the world’s most incredible ancient locations. From rugged, breathtaking gorges dating over two billion years to white sand beaches and untouched islands, it’s easy to see why the region is catching filmmakers’ eyes.  

Featured on the cover of the 2023 Location International Magazine, Pilbara’s Hamersley Range (Karijini) stunned the European market with its iconic red dirt contrasted against lush green vegetation.

Hamersley Range, Karijini National Park. Credit TWA. Cover image for Location International Magazine

Karijini National Park sits in the centre of the region, with landscapes unlike any other.  The gum trees, termite mounds and expansive plains give way to picturesque gorges, refreshing waterfalls and emerald waterholes. 

Karijini National Park is on the traditional lands of the Banyjima, Kurrama and Innawonga people of the Pilbara region. 

A Filmmaker’s Backdrop

Nyul Nyul / Yawuru director Jub Clerc was inspired by her own experience growing up in the Pilbara region for her award-winning feature film Sweet As.

Sweet As, The bus travelling down the road
© Arenamedia Pty Ltd, photography by Nic Duncan
Sweet As, Millstream – location © Arenamedia Pty Ltd, photography by Nic Duncan
Sweet As, Port Hedland BMX Club – location © Arenamedia Pty Ltd, photography by Nic Duncan
Sweet As, Millstream – location © Arenamedia Pty Ltd, photography by Nic Duncan

Set against the backdrop of Karijini National Park and the surrounds, Sweet As follows troubled 15-year-old Indigenous girl Murra who finds herself abandoned after an argument with her mother. When an unusual lifeline is thrown her way by her Uncle Ian, a local cop, in the form of a travelling Photo Safari, Murra finds herself careening down a dusty highway with a bus full of ‘at risk’ teens and two peculiar team leaders.

Jub spoke about the incredible experience of the production in the Pilbara 

WA is home to Australia’s best incentive, offering a minimum 10% back on WA Expenditure through the WA Production Attraction Incentive. From First Nations children’s series Thalu to iconic Australian stories like Red Dog: True Blue, the Pilbara region is experienced in welcoming productions. 

Whatever your story, Western Australia has something to offer. Screenwest’s talented team are standing by to help bring your vision to life. The team can assist with Location support, local budgets and advice as well as connections to experienced production partners and crew. 

For more information about WA’s exciting incentives contact 

Gabrielle Cole
Production & Services Manager, Screenwest
[email protected]
+61 8 6169 2100