prior to its official release, the feature-length documentary film "frackman" attracted attention due to the substantial state and federal government financial support it received. a private company, frackman films pty ltd was registered on 17 june 2013. the film received $220,000 from screen queensland, $156,400 from screenwest (western australia) and a further $200,000 from screen australia. "the west australian" newspaper published that it understood that the screen west funding equated to 15% of the production's total budget, with the production also eligible for a $435,000" "film producer tax credit. the film's co-producer, trish lake from freshwater pictures, described the government funding as an example of government supporting free speech. queensland's arts minister ian walker agreed, telling the media:“if anyone was looking for proof that freedom of speech flourishes in queensland, this documentary is it.”western australian acting state premier kim hames told "the west australian":"the state government supports the jobs, energy supply and opportunities that a well-regulated shale gas industry can provide for wa families... however, we also support the independence of the screenwest funding selection process, which does not involve state ministers. i am advised the screenwest board considered this project at length and took into account artistic and production merits."pratzky found the government funding funny but said that he didn't believe that it undermined the production. he said of the production: "it’s telling the truth and cutting through a layer of propaganda." the film's producer simon nasht described the film as "polemical" and "not a documentary that the public broadcasters, the abc or sbs, would touch with a barge pole."