The State Library holds an archive of WA’s motion picture heritage with films like BASHFUL MR BROWN, which was made in 1907 and was the first narrative motion picture made in WA. Brains? would love to see the public domain materials put online, to enable easy reuse, and we are stumbling after that goal. Meanwhile, the zombie had a chat with David Whiteford, archivist at the Battye Library, to see how independents can make use of the collection.

State Library of WA

Brains?: How could independent producers make use of the archive?
Whiteford: The State Library of Western Australia film archive collection has viewing copies available for anyone to see. They can usually be loaned through inter-library loan services. Independent producers can use the collection for research (such as costumes, street scenes, working operations [e.g. timber felling]) or, as noted below, for possible re-use.

Is there any material being held by the archive that has fallen out of copyright?
In Australia films produced prior to 1955 are generally out of copyright. “Dramatic” films are an exception. We do hold many pre 1955 films. The Copyright Council of Australia website (www.copyright.org.au) is useful for further explanations.

Would producers be able to gain access to any material for re-use or remix?
Copies of films can be purchased if they are out of copyright or if permission is granted from copyright owner. Reproduction permits can be negotiated and there are fees.

Has any of the material in the archive been digitized?
There are over 240 digitised films in the archive.

Who holds the rights to the material being held there that is still under copyright, the local television footage for example, the archive or the maker?
Ownership of rights will vary with film makers and production companies (including television stations) owning rights, as well as the film archive owning some transferred rights.

How can people see the material in archive?
Public viewing facilities for most formats (reels, video and dvd) are available in the State Library of Western Australia. Inter-library loan of videos and dvds are possible.

Do you ever hold screenings of the material?
Monthly film screenings are held in the State Library of Western Australia theatre. A selection of films from both the State Film and Video Library (a general lending collection) and the State Film Archive is shown.

Thanks David, head here to get the screening times. A stimulating way to spend a lunch break.