Film New England North West (Film NENW) will be officially launched in Sydney today by Senator Michael Forshaw (chair of the Senate Finance and Public Administration References Committee) and Tony Kelly (Minister for Regional Development).

Member for Northern Tablelands, Richard Torbay, will act as MC for the launch.

Locations managers, film, television and TV commercials producers, film industry representatives and members of NENW regional councils will attend.

“The new initiative is designed to showcase the region’s attributes and attract film, television and multimedia productions to the NENW region of NSW,” said Jack Ritchie, regional arts development officer at Arts North West.

“Film NENW is the first contact point for filming in the region - it links organisations in the region and provides support and referrals to assist with filming and production requirements.”

In 2007, the region’s 13 film-friendly councils, Arts North West and the Northern Inland Regional Development Board (NIRDB) joined forces to create the New England North West Film Strategy Project and develop an easy way for producers to film in the region.

The project was designed to encourage and cultivate the growth of the film and television industry in the region, boost the economy through an increase in film related projects and raise the region’s profile by increasing tourism.

“The New England North West offers numerous diverse locations for film, television and multimedia makers,” Mr Ritchie said.

“It includes large centres like Tamworth, Armidale and Moree as well as smaller towns including Glen Innes and Inverell.

“The region has already featured in several film and television productions including the international production Superman Returns, and Ivan Sen’s award-winning Australian film, Beneath Clouds.”