- Australian survival-thriller film, We Bury the Dead, starring international star Daisy Ridley (Star Wars sequel trilogy) has commenced production in Albany
- Australian actors Brenton Thwaites (Titans, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales), and Mark Coles Smith (Mystery Road: Origin, Sweet As) have joined the cast alongside Ridley
- Written and directed by acclaimed Western Australian filmmaker Zak Hilditch
Western Australia's Great Southern region is abuzz with activity this week as filming commences on the survival-thriller feature film We Bury the Dead, featuring international star Daisy Ridley along with Australian stars Brenton Thwaites and Mark Coles Smith.
The film is described asa terrifying yet moving story about grief, loss, and the undead which follows Ava (Daisy Ridley), a desperate woman whose husband is missing in the aftermath of a catastrophic military experiment. Hoping to find him alive, Ava joins a "body retrieval unit", but her search takes a chilling turn when the corpses she's burying start showing signs of life.
The project has received $1.93 million in funding through the WA Regional Screen Fund (WARSF) and Scripted Production Funding via Screenwest, demonstrating the Cook Government's continued support to grow, develop and build the screen industry throughout WA.
The WARSF is designed to attract screen projects to undertake production in regional WA to encourage regional film industry activity, build local capacity, and contribute to the liveability and vibrancy of regional WA communities.
We Bury the Dead will create 210 jobs for WA cast, crew, and extras, and is estimated to result in $7.2 million expenditure in the State, including $2.7 million regional expenditure.
This will be Hilditch's fourth feature film and the project is being produced by local company The Penguin Empire, along with Campfire Studios, and Gramercy Park in the United States.
The WARSF aims to build WA regional capacity, and contribute to the liveability and vibrancy of the State's regional communities. The fund has supported many high-profile productions such as the multi-award-winning film 'Sweet As', and the critically acclaimed series 'Mystery Road: Origin', plus popular documentaries including 'Ningaloo Nyinggulu'.
The WARSF is funded by the State Government through the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, and managed by Screenwest.
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
"We Bury the Dead is such an exciting production for Albany, and I can't wait to see it on the big screen.
"The Cook Government is investing in the screen industry in Western Australia because it delivers thousands of local jobs, boosts the economy, and attracts tourism.
"In 2022-23, film and television projects the State Government invested in through Screenwest injected $41.5 million direct production expenditure into the WA economy, and generated 3,699 total FTE jobs.
"It makes sense to grow this industry as part of the Cook Labor Government's plans to diversify the economy and create jobs for the future."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"I am so pleased to see this production showcasing the spectacular Great Southern Region. It will highlight to the world the natural beauty of the region and increase visitation.
"The Cook Labor Government's strong financial management has enabled us to invest in growth industries such as the screen sector, which is a win-win for all involved."
As stated by Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens:
"Albany has been abuzz with zombie mania following news of this production - it is fantastic for our local creatives and supporting businesses.
"It is also wonderful for our young people to see a production of this calibre come to town as it gives them an insight into the opportunities that the Cook Labor Government is creating for the future."
