THE City of Busselton and Geographe Bay Tourism Association have been officially recognised for their behind-the-scenes efforts in making the South West-filmed movie Drift a success.
At a special function in Margaret River on October 17 presentations were made to supporters of the internationally-released motion picture, including Regional Development Minister Terry Redman.
The State Government provided $1million in Royalties for Regions and South West Development Commission funds towards filming of the surf movie in the region in 2011.
Other groups formally acknowledged during the ceremony included the Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association and the Shire of Augusta Margaret River.
Australia’s South West and the Shire of Nannup were thanked earlier in the day at a separate event in Nannup.
SWDC chairman Stuart Hicks said each organisation had received framed Drift DVDs that had been autographed by the film’s stars Myles Pollard, Xavier Samuel and Sam Worthington as a token of appreciation for getting behind the first feature film to be shot in the region.
“We believe Drift has raised awareness of the South West as a quality filming location, resulting in filmmakers setting their sights on the region like never before,” Mr Hicks said.
Mr Hicks thanked the team behind the movie, including Drift actor and producer Myles Pollard who attended the function, for their vision and passion in putting the South West on the big screen.
“Not only do movies help to put the area on the map and increase the region’s profile as a top holiday destination, but they give local actors and creative professionals the opportunity to get involved,” Mr Hicks said.
“Drift helped to change the way the South West sees itself and the way the movie industry sees the region.
“The movie was successful and we’re pleased local people were able to share in that success.”