Minister intervenes as open day Perth film studio actors paid with lunch and ‘opportunity’

The AgeIndependentProgressive4 hr. ago

On September 3, 2026, the Cook Government in Western Australia intervened to ensure actors participating in the Perth Film Studios' first open days were paid for their time. Initially, the open days, scheduled for September 11 and 12, were advertised as offering volunteers 'meals and the opportunity' to work with experienced filmmakers rather than payment. The callout, organized by contractor West Coast Crew, sought over 30 volunteer actors for a music video shoot. Opposition figures and the Chamber of Arts and Culture WA criticized the arrangement, arguing it undermined efforts to boost the state's creative industries and create jobs. Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk confirmed the government had stepped in to ensure proper compensation, stating the state was unaware of the unpaid callout and that West Coast Crew had decided to offer the opportunity voluntarily.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the situation as a failure of the government's economic development goals, emphasizing criticism from opposition figures and cultural organizations. It highlights the perceived insult to local talent and the contradiction between the studio's purpose (job creation) and the unpaid,

The Sydney Morning HeraldIndependentProgressive4 hr. ago

The Cook Government in Western Australia has stepped in to ensure actors participating in the Perth Film Studios' first open days are paid for their time, after they were initially only offered meals and the 'opportunity' to work with experienced crew. The open days, scheduled for September 11 and 12, involved a real music video shoot organized by contractor West Coast Crew, which called for over 30 volunteer actors. Opposition figures and the Chamber of Arts and Culture WA criticized the arrangement as disrespectful to local talent and contradictory to the studio's goal of boosting employment in the creative sector. The government confirmed it was unaware of the unpaid callout and has now ensured payment for participants.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the situation as a failure of the government's economic development goals, highlighting criticism from opposition figures and cultural organizations. It emphasizes the perceived insult to local talent and the contradiction between the studio's purpose and the unpaid nature of the