“I have been an admirer of Ian Hale since the establishment of The Backlot Perth in Douglas Street, West Perth, and in fact it was on a visit to his studio that I found a building which I subsequently purchased. My friends and I have spent many pleasant hours at The Backlot watching both films we’ve seen before, as well as outstanding films which Ian has recently been producing. I have enormous respect for Ian as a producer of significant Australian and West Australian films.”

“Ian Hale’s vision in creating HALO Films and The Backlot Perth was to create a focal point to showcase and advance independent filmmaking. His enthusiasm and determination to reach audiences and bring our communities together through screen creativity inspire so many of us. We need this energy and innovation to keep our screen sector vibrant. I will always champion HALO Films, The Backlot Perth and Ian Hale himself, because I’ve seen firsthand the impact that professionalism and generosity has on our industry.”

“The Backlot Cinema and HALO Films support to the only first nations radio station in Boorloo (Perth), Noongar Radio, has always been consistent and respected within our community. Ian Hale and the team’s dedication to the indigenous film industry is admirable and their commitment to promoting indigenous films with Noongar Radio provides another platform for indigenous story-telling to be broadcasted to the wider community of WA.”

“Ian Hale’s support of the emerging film and television industry in WA is incredible. He graciously gives his time and wisdom to so many here. Our PAC Advanced Studio for actors and filmmakers would not be possible without The Backlot, HALO Films and Ian’s encouragement and tireless support. All members of PACAS are very grateful.”

Ian Hale is a legend in the WA film industry and HALO Films is a beacon of light. Ian is a great supporter of emerging and independent filmmakers and the WA Screen Academy. His energy and commitment to the industry are infectious, and he is always looking for new ways to support and encourage. The Backlot has become the venue of choice for industry events, the launching of new projects and a wonderful distribution and exhibition space. Thank you Ian and HALO Films.

“Ian Hale and HALO Films are invaluable to Western Australia by supporting filmmakers and showcasing independent films. CinefestOZ Film Festival is proud of the long-standing relationship we have with Ian, as we continue to work together to champion local stories and screen them to our festival audiences.”

“Early in my career as a producer, I worked at The Backlot Perth. I loved the industry experience and networking opportunities I gained while working here and as I’ve progressed in my career, The Backlot Perth has always held a special place in my heart. I have run film festivals, attended industry events, and completed post-production in feature films here, and hopefully soon, I’ll work with HALO Films on my next feature film.”

“Ian Hale is one of the great champions of the WA film and TV industry; an innovator with a passion for platforming those whose stories aren’t told elsewhere. When Ian’s involved in a project, we at RTRFM know it’s one worth our attention.”

“The commitment that HALO Films displayed to for my debut feature film “The Xrossing” was outstanding. Ian is incredible and his contribution to the industry is outstanding. Thank you, Ian, for your generosity, honesty, and relentless hard work. Your passion and care was sincerely felt throughout the journey of the film and beyond. Working alongside you is inspiring and I can’t wait to do it again.”

“HALO Films is a shining light in the local indie film scene. Without the support from Ian and his team, making independent films would be so much harder. HALO is passionately supportive and so encouraging throughout the whole film business process. Black Wax Entertainment is proud and honored to be partnering with HALO Films on Pencilhead’s Kids Club. Thank you, HALO!”

“As a relative newcomer to the West Australian film scene, having HALO Films in my corner helped me navigate my way through what can be a very complicated and overwhelming process. It is one thing to make a film, it is a completely different skill set to ensure that film is seen. Ian and the team at HALO Films and the Backlot went above and beyond to ensure The Grey Line was not only seen, but highly sought after. I could not have done any of this without them.”

“HALO Films is an industry pillar providing unflinching support to emerging and established filmmakers. Ian’s generosity, experience, innovation, commitment and integrity is what keeps me and others continually inspired to partner with HALO Films.”

“Ian Hale is a true champion when it comes to supporting emerging filmmakers in Western Australia, and his contributions to the Australian film industry are nothing short of incredible. HALO Films’ distribution of inspirational projects is a testament to the companies commitment to bringing thought-provoking and captivating films to the Australian market.”

"I have had the privilege of knowing Ian Hale now for many years, and for all of that time have known him to be a person of integrity, wisdom and compassion, who cares about truth telling and stories that change our world. HALO Films carries Ian's vision out to the world, it is a beacon of light directing our attention to so many untold stories. I will always support HALO Films and Backlot Perth, as they and Ian have supported so many of us in the film industry and beyond.”

“Ian Hale and HALO films really live up to their name, offering a chance for quality independent filmmakers to find an appreciative audience for their work in these uncertain times. Due to Ian's experience in both mainstream distribution and exhibition, his mentorship and guidance in ushering new local cinema voices into the marketplace is invaluable.”

“Working with HALO Films as an emerging filmmaker was truly an incredible experience. Ian provided a tremendous amount of support as an Executive Producer on my short film, Lens, showcasing it at the Backlot Cinema as well as other cinemas and promoting it online. Thanks for all your hard work and guidance, Ian!”

“Working with Ian is addictive. His supportive and nurturing nature towards Western Australian independent film is infectious and his resolve is inspiring. His career has given him insite and resourcefulness and thankfully he does not hold it for himself, choosing instead to sacrifice countless hours to share it with filmmakers and help their stories be told. Ian knows who to put into a room together and often surprises me with his ability to get things done.”

“Working with Ian from HALO Films is a blast. If I could bottle his energy, enthusiasm and lust for life, put it on store shelves and sell it, I could be a billionaire. That’s what he brings to the project. His drive and mentorship has given me the confidence to get big protects off the ground and into fruition; It’s given me the space and resources to trust in my instincts and fight for my vision; to look past what seems possible and achieve the impossible.”

“The ethos of Ian Hale and HALO Films aligns perfectly with those of Cinema Australia. As a keen Australian film enthusiast with a special interest in the WA filmmaking community, I fully appreciate that the importance of HALO Films in Western Australia is a significant one. Throughout my dealings with Ian Hale over the years, I have found not only an ally, but a friend as well.”

“As a teacher thoroughly invested in creating a new generation of professional film actor/creatives, I regard HALO Films and The Backlot as a game changer for this local industry. Providing a hub for such a diverse range of film professionals of any description, and at any point in their career, to meet and share knowledge is crucial to the artistic development and navigation of a career path. The endless support that Ian has provided for local filmmakers, at any level of experience, has been invaluable. Recommending regular visits to The Backlot has become standard in my screen acting courses, both for networking and for developing that essential cinematic literacy. He does the most brilliant film screenings! A thousand thanks Ian!“

“Ian Hale is a champion of the arts and local film industry in Perth, Western Australia. Through his businesses The Backlot Perth and HALO Films, Ian supports aspiring filmmakers, providing unique opportunities. At HALO Films, Ian invests his time, resources, and industry connections to help struggling indie filmmakers gain recognition and distribution. His unwavering support and passion have elevated projects like "Greenfield," my own indie feature film. Thank you, Ian and team HALO, for your remarkable commitment to our talented local indie scene. Onwards and upwards!”

“Ian Hale makes an extraordinary contribution to the emerging film and television industry in WA. His tireless efforts, unwavering support, and boundless wisdom make him an indispensable figure in the local creative community. One of the most remarkable qualities about Ian is his infectious energy and unwavering commitment to the industry. He tirelessly seeks out innovative ways to support and encourage the burgeoning talents in the field. Ian's visionary approach ensures that he remains at the forefront of industry developments, constantly adapting and evolving to provide the best opportunities for those he champions. In conclusion, Ian Hale's support of the emerging film and television industry in WA is nothing short of incredible. Ian is a true champion of the arts, and his contributions have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the local film and television landscape.”

“HALO Films has been a valued partner of Brain Salad on a number of screen projects. Ian Hale’s experience in the WA screen industry has been a major factor in Brain Salad’s success in productions that have covered the full gamut of screen culture including features, documentaries and virtual reality. Ian’s passion in growing every aspect of the WA screen industry is matched by his commitment to emerging talent, both on-screen and technical. HALO Films is uniquely placed - in geographic and commercial terms - at an exciting time in the WA screen industry, to find new and creative ways and partnerships in production, distribution and exhibition.”

“Ian Hale, the owner of The Backlot and founder of HALO Films, is a passionate and generous advocate for the arts in Western Australia. He supports emerging filmmakers, champions the importance of the arts in our community and volunteers regularly at industry events. On a personal note, Steven and I are very grateful to Ian for encouraging us to finish our independent film, The Xrossing. He was our first true believer, and without him, we may never have completed the project. Ian then established Halo Films to help bring more great stories to the screen that might not have been seen otherwise. Ian's unrelenting passion and selfless dedication to the arts have made a significant contribution to the cultural landscape of Western Australia. We are lucky have him in Perth and I feel blessed for his friendship and support.”

“Ian Hale and HALO Films are a gift to the Western Australian film industry. Ian has the rare mix of qualities of being both a man of action as well as vision, for both his own as well as other people’s film and television projects. His relentless championing of independent films and filmmakers, as well as his tireless work in bringing together already-established artists to produce world-class independent feature films, documentaries, and web series continues to amaze me on a daily basis. I would wholeheartedly recommend teaming with Ian Hale given the opportunity and personally look forward to working with him in the future.”

“HALO Films is an extraordinary treasure for Vincent; encouraging screen industry practitioners - from emerging to established to fulfill their projects.”

“Ian Hale is one in a million. The making of any film can be challenging and complex to navigate, but with Ian’s boundless enthusiasm and phenomenal support he makes it feel easy. Through the Backlot Cinema and HALO Films, he passionately champions for independent and emerging film makers and has been involved with an extraordinary array of films. It’s an absolute pleasure to be working with Ian as an EP on my first feature documentary. Thank you for your generosity and tireless commitment to the West Australian industry and the unique voices and stories that may otherwise not have a platform to be seen.”

“Ian Hale is an absolute champion in the mighty West Australian Screen Industry, an outstanding human and someone we are proud to call our brother and friend. His passion project, the Backlot has been a touchstone for many emerging and established filmmakers, and his ability (and energy!) in bringing all sectors of the community together is inspiring. What we love most of all, is Ian’s commitment to giving those in our community a voice they may otherwise never find. He is truly remarkable and we know that his continued championing of the industry coupled with the wealth of knowledge and passion he brings, will ensure the health and strength of our remarkable storytelling community will continue for generations to come.”

“HALO Films with Ian Hale at the helm is providing the support, enthusiasm and pathway to audiences that has been out of reach for many. Ian’s generous nature and dedication to growing the industry for both filmmakers and audiences is a rarity in the Australian landscape. We are very honored and grateful that Ian came on board to help ‘Bassendream’ make it over the line to completion as the project had been sitting in limbo at the time.”

“With the encouragement and enduring optimism of HALO Films and The Backlot Perth managing director Ian Hale, our independent feature film PIECES has had back-to-back sold-out screenings. Ian has been an integral part of our film’s theatrical success and provides independent filmmakers with opportunities to exhibit their films, in what is a difficult market space. Ian’s vision has enriched both the arts industries and the culture of our city by creating HALO Films and the unique environment of The Backlot Perth within the evolving Pickle District. We look forward to working with Ian into the future.”