It may appear to the casual observer that the film industry in Perth consists solely of a man dressed in rags wielding an old 8mm running around town trying to find depressed people he can use to make a short film. The only other film makers in Perth would be the students, who soon after graduating, either get a job editing corporate videos or leave for better fodder eastwards. But I can now say with absolute confidence that there is more and it’s right here in Perth!

Last weekend I was surrounded by so many film makers, in Northbridge no less, that I actually didn’t manage to speak to them all by the time I finished a single Mocha. Yes thanks to Debbie Thoy and the “Perth Film Networking Function”, who organised an event where you could meet local film makers. I’m not even talking about just students (or the man dressed in rags).

Around 200 people attended simply to meet each other, from experienced local directors and actors, to the local actors from the latest round of FTI courses. I even met some delightfully entertaining animal trainers who were not only available to be booked for training pets but also were happy to share some sneaky tricks I could perform on my cat (little does he know.. hehe)

As far as reports go it appears the event will be now be held on a regular basis, every 2 months or so in the city. You can find the “Perth Film Network” on Facebook and the last reports is that it will stay as a free event. There are even going to be options to show your work or showreels on the TVs in the bar throughout the night.

Jon Walker