The state government has intervened after actors were asked to volunteer their time at the inaugural open days of the new Perth Film Studios.
The $233.5 million facility will be showcased on September 11th and 12th, featuring a live music video shoot for a local band, organised by government contractor West Coast Crew.
WAToday reports that West Coast Crew put out a call last month seeking more than 30 volunteer actors for roles including Kung Fu fighters, police officers, and zombies across four sets.
Correspondence sent to applicants explained that the role was unpaid but actors would receive meals and “opportunity”.
“Although this is an unpaid opportunity, all participants will be provided with meals while working; given access to the completed music video for possible show reel use; [and] given the opportunity to work with experienced Perth directors and crew inside the new studio,” an email read.
In January, Premier Roger Cook said the studios would help diversify the economy and generate local employment.
“With Perth Film Studios reaching completion we are helping to diversify the economy, create local jobs and unlock new opportunities for talent and innovation in our State,” he said.
Shadow Minister for Creative Industries Julie Freeman told Nine that expecting actors to volunteer for the facility’s debut was “insulting.”
“So much for diversifying the economy and creating jobs,” she said.
“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.
“Instead, the studio’s opening weekend is relying on local actors and crew to work for free.
“To ask Western Australian talent to volunteer their time to showcase a facility that is supposed to create jobs for them is insulting.”
A spokesperson for Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk confirmed that the government will step in to ensure all actors receive payment.
“West Coast Crew have been contracted and paid to deliver the behind the scenes experience by Arts and Culture Trust (ACT) who manage the Perth Film Studios, on behalf of the State Government.
“It was a decision of West Coast Crew to call for extras to appear in a music video on a voluntary basis and the State Government was not aware the call out was being made.
“It is the State Government’s expectation that actors are paid for their time and expertise and has intervened to ensure that happens.
“The Open Days are an opportunity for the community to go inside the Perth Film Studios, see the screen industry in action and experience first hand what is being built for the future of Western Australia,” a statement read.
Rick Heath, Executive Director of the Chamber of Arts and Culture WA, said “the notion of professional people volunteering their time for ‘exposure’ is something that we absolutely need to address and move on from”.
“When first hearing about it, I would say it’s a request that’s actually deeply offensive to professional actors and performers,” he said.
Images: ABC
