Another feature film to bring economic gain and fame to Wagga

The creators of Backyard Ashes will return to Wagga Wagga to make their next feature film The Merger.

The City of Wagga Wagga is putting $20,000 towards the Crow Crow Productions film, which will showcase the city on the national stage.

Sector Manager Community, Janice Summerhayes, says it’s a sound investment.

“As well as the national exposure that Wagga Wagga will receive as a result of the promotion and screening of the film, it is estimated that the production will spend $1M in Wagga Wagga,” she said.

“With up to 100 people set to travel to Wagga as a part of the production, this will be as significant boost for local accommodation, retail and hospitality sectors.”

Director and writer Mark Grentell says the producers are thrilled to be going back to his home town for filming.

“The people of Wagga were unbelievably supportive of Backyard Ashes and that support allowed the film and the city of Wagga to be known right around the country and internationally too,” he said.

“We're excited to be partnering with the City of Wagga Wagga to bring an even bigger production to town this time when filming The Merger and have no doubt that it will have huge benefits to the city.

“We very much look forward to sharing this journey with the people of Wagga Wagga and adding to the growing reputation of ‘Waggawood’.”

Scheduled to premiere in mid-2018, The Merger explore themes of tolerance, acceptance and cultural sharing.

The film has also received production funding from Screen Australia, Create NSW and the Create NSW Regional Film Fund.