Statement from IN:WA on Tourism WA overlooking local production companies for new campaign
IN:WA board member Mark Braddock appeared on ABC Radio’s Breakfast program with Mark Gibson to discuss the local production industry’s disappointment with Tourism WA’s decision to award their next major campaign to Eastern States production companies. Below is the full statement from IN:WA.
IN:WA – the Independent Creative Communications Businesses of Western Australia – represents nearly 40 WA-owned businesses working across advertising, branding, production, digital and communications.
We recently wrote to Tourism WA to seek clarification on reports that while a WA-based advertising agency is Tourism WA’s agency-of-record, they may not be engaging a WA registered production company or director for the creation of the major television commercial.
While we understand that these decisions are often made through appointed agencies, we believe it’s critical that the State’s major promotional campaigns are made locally, by the people who know WA best.
We believe West Australians are best placed to tell our stories – with the nuance, cultural insight and authenticity that visitors increasingly seek.
The WA government has shown real leadership in supporting the creative industries through initiatives like the Creative WA policy, the Diversify WA strategy, and the $235 million investment in new studio infrastructure. But without local commercial work to sustain our talent and companies, that vision is at risk.
We are offering our support in reviewing current processes and identifying ways to ensure WA-owned businesses are given every opportunity to contribute meaningfully to flagship campaigns. Our aim is simple: to keep local talent working, local businesses growing, and WA’s creative industry thriving.