Film Illawarra

Film Illawarra was the regional film office for the Wollongong, Shoalhaven, Kiama, Shellharbour, Eurobodalla and Wingecarribee council areas. It was one of five similar economic development agencies, representing different regions of NSW. Film Illawarra sought to facilitate and attract production of films, TV programs, commercials and other forms of film/video production to the areas.
Film lllawarra was established by Prof. Sharon Bell (then Dean of Creative Arts at the University of Wollongong) in August 1999 to promote the region as a potential film location. Among the projects Film Illawarra attracted to the local area:
• Mullet (2000)— director David Caesar, starring Ben Mendelsohn
• The Man Who Sued God (2001)— director Mark Joffe, starring Billy Connolly and Judy Davis
• A Fine Body of Gentlemen (2002)— a ABC TV documentary about the first touring indigenous cricket team, director Geoff Burton
• Floodhouse (2004)— a short feature for SBS independent, director Milo Bilbrough
• A Man’s Gotta Do (2004) —an Australian feature, director Chris Kennedy, starring John Howard
• Headland (2005-2006) Australian Television drama series
Other key achievements include:
• lllawarra Region Of Councils film policy: a Film Illawarra initiative to standardise the process for application to film on council land and produce a consistent approach within all six council areas to encourage filmmaking.
• Australian Screen Directors Association conference: Film Illawarra’s hosting of this event was the first time this major industry event had been held in the area.
• Filmmakers’ Forums: A series of community forums, where local filmmakers have been able to hear from industry professionals free of charge on topics as diverse as the Australian Film Television and Radio School, Tropfest and the NSW Young Filmmakers’ Fund.
• A professional set of marketing materials, including a 24-page full-colour location guide and promotional video/CD-ROM.
• On-line searchable database for film locations, facilities and expertise— the most extensive of its kind in Australia.