The experience delivered by a video game can vary hugely if the developing team makes sure that enough attention is given to the aspect of psychosis. A perfect example of this is the upcoming Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 title, which, apart from using Unreal Engine 5 and Binaural Audio Tech, focuses on the said element of video games perfectly.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 is going to make use of psychosis to deliver the perfect experience
The effect of psychosis on gamers is often something that is missed out on by the studios, who generally treat it as mere noise and as a filler to give depth to their characters, instead of using the element to its fullest potential.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 – Ninja Theory Might Just Be Onto Something Hellblade 2 is going to make the best use of psychosis
To deliver what the developers feel is a perfect horror experience, a...
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 is going to make use of psychosis to deliver the perfect experience
The effect of psychosis on gamers is often something that is missed out on by the studios, who generally treat it as mere noise and as a filler to give depth to their characters, instead of using the element to its fullest potential.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 – Ninja Theory Might Just Be Onto Something Hellblade 2 is going to make the best use of psychosis
To deliver what the developers feel is a perfect horror experience, a...
- 5/15/2024
- by Aaditya Chugh
- FandomWire
Filming will begin in Melbourne in early 2022.
Michael Gracey’s Better Man, a biopic of UK singer Robbie Williams, will begin shooting in Melbourne, Australia in early 2022.
London-based Rocket Science is handling international sales on the project to which Roadshow Films has Australia and New Zealand rights.
The film will shoot at the city’s Docklands Studios, and is expected to create 2,200 local jobs for the industry in Victoria, of which Melbourne is the state capital. That figure includes 220 crew and 14 local heads of department; there will also be more than 2,700 extras, plus work for an estimated 300 local business.
It...
Michael Gracey’s Better Man, a biopic of UK singer Robbie Williams, will begin shooting in Melbourne, Australia in early 2022.
London-based Rocket Science is handling international sales on the project to which Roadshow Films has Australia and New Zealand rights.
The film will shoot at the city’s Docklands Studios, and is expected to create 2,200 local jobs for the industry in Victoria, of which Melbourne is the state capital. That figure includes 220 crew and 14 local heads of department; there will also be more than 2,700 extras, plus work for an estimated 300 local business.
It...
- 12/3/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
The legislative changes to the federal tax incentives have passed through both houses of Parliament, with amendments that keep the minimum qualifying Australian expenditure (Qape) threshold at $500,000 for both the Producer and Pdv offsets.
The Gallipoli Clause, which allows production costs incurred in other countries to be claimed under the Producer Offset, has also been retained.
The news has already been welcomed by Screen Producers Australia, with CEO Matthew Deaner describing it as a “landmark day for the production sector”.
“The passing of the laws will unlock rich new streams of financial support into the sector, and is the culmination of years of effort.
“It’s also an important day for Australian audiences, with the boost in the Offset an important part of securing the future of Australian stories on the small screen.”
Treasury Laws Amendment (2021 Measures No. 5) Bill 2021 was debated in the Senate this morning, before being referred back...
The Gallipoli Clause, which allows production costs incurred in other countries to be claimed under the Producer Offset, has also been retained.
The news has already been welcomed by Screen Producers Australia, with CEO Matthew Deaner describing it as a “landmark day for the production sector”.
“The passing of the laws will unlock rich new streams of financial support into the sector, and is the culmination of years of effort.
“It’s also an important day for Australian audiences, with the boost in the Offset an important part of securing the future of Australian stories on the small screen.”
Treasury Laws Amendment (2021 Measures No. 5) Bill 2021 was debated in the Senate this morning, before being referred back...
- 12/1/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
The Federal Government has promoted Peter Tonagh to deputy chairperson of the ABC board, six months after his appointment as a non-executive director.
Tonagh was one of three new additions to the broadcaster’s board announced in May, with ex-Seven executive Mario D’Orazio and Fiona Balfour also joining as non-executive directors.
Other board members include chair Ita Buttrose and Peter Lewis, Georgie Somerset, and Joseph Gersh.
In announcing Tonagh’s promotion, Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said he looked forward to seeing the contribution he would make in his new role.
“His extensive media and business experience will be a vital resource for the national broadcaster as it navigates the challenges ahead,” he said.
Tonagh will serve as deputy chairperson for the remainder of his current term through to May 2026.
The former Foxtel CEO has nearly 14 years of experience in senior executive roles, including...
Tonagh was one of three new additions to the broadcaster’s board announced in May, with ex-Seven executive Mario D’Orazio and Fiona Balfour also joining as non-executive directors.
Other board members include chair Ita Buttrose and Peter Lewis, Georgie Somerset, and Joseph Gersh.
In announcing Tonagh’s promotion, Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said he looked forward to seeing the contribution he would make in his new role.
“His extensive media and business experience will be a vital resource for the national broadcaster as it navigates the challenges ahead,” he said.
Tonagh will serve as deputy chairperson for the remainder of his current term through to May 2026.
The former Foxtel CEO has nearly 14 years of experience in senior executive roles, including...
- 11/14/2021
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
A House of Representatives committee has recommended the Federal Government introduce legislation that requires streaming services to spend at least 20 per cent of their local revenue on new Australian content.
In a report released on Wednesday, the Communications and the Arts Committee made a total of 22 recommendations to support the recovery of Australia’s arts and cultural sectors from the impacts of the bushfires and Covid.
Among them was that over-the-top (Ott) media services, such as Netflix, Stan and Disney+, allocate at least 20 per cent of their local revenue on new Australian drama, documentary, children’s content, commissions, co-productions or acquisitions of content.
According to the report, which was requested by Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher in August 2020, the new legislation should also stipulate that at least 20 per cent of the 20 per cent quota go towards local children’s content and drama.
It’s...
In a report released on Wednesday, the Communications and the Arts Committee made a total of 22 recommendations to support the recovery of Australia’s arts and cultural sectors from the impacts of the bushfires and Covid.
Among them was that over-the-top (Ott) media services, such as Netflix, Stan and Disney+, allocate at least 20 per cent of their local revenue on new Australian drama, documentary, children’s content, commissions, co-productions or acquisitions of content.
According to the report, which was requested by Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher in August 2020, the new legislation should also stipulate that at least 20 per cent of the 20 per cent quota go towards local children’s content and drama.
It’s...
- 10/28/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
The Federal Government has committed $2 million to the National Institute of Dramatic Arts as part of its $50 million Covid-19 Arts Sustainability Fund.
Nida was announced as one of two organisations to share in $6.5 million from the fund, with the Australian Ballet to receive $4.5 million.
They join the Museum of Contemporary Art, Queensland Ballet, and the Melbourne Theatre Company in being supported through the initiative, which was set up last year as part of the government’s Covid-19 Creative Economy Support Package.
More than $37 million of the fund has so far been allocated to 14 organisations across the country.
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cites and the Arts, Paul Fletcher, said the funding announced today would provide a lifeline to two organisations that were major arts employers.
“The Australian Ballet and the National Institute of Dramatic Arts are leading arts organisations, supporting accomplished and emerging artists, industry educators, and leaders to succeed...
Nida was announced as one of two organisations to share in $6.5 million from the fund, with the Australian Ballet to receive $4.5 million.
They join the Museum of Contemporary Art, Queensland Ballet, and the Melbourne Theatre Company in being supported through the initiative, which was set up last year as part of the government’s Covid-19 Creative Economy Support Package.
More than $37 million of the fund has so far been allocated to 14 organisations across the country.
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cites and the Arts, Paul Fletcher, said the funding announced today would provide a lifeline to two organisations that were major arts employers.
“The Australian Ballet and the National Institute of Dramatic Arts are leading arts organisations, supporting accomplished and emerging artists, industry educators, and leaders to succeed...
- 10/14/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Australian Survivor will remain in Queensland for its seventh season, which will be filmed at Charters Towers.
Set to screen across Network 10 platforms later this year, the next iteration of the franchise has received a $3.9 million grant from the Federal Government’s Location Incentive scheme, with the expectation it inject more than $29 million into regional Australia.
It comes production company Endemol Shine Australia moved the series from Fiji to Cloncurry for the sixth season.
CEO Peter Newman said the company was pleased to bring production back to Queensland.
“Cloncurry provided the game with a visually stunning location, and we know that Charters Towers will provide an equally rich Australian backdrop for the Survivors to battle it out,” he said.
“We look forward to working closely with the local community and crew and supporting the Charters Towers economy throughout a successful production period.”
ViacomCBS chief content officer and EVP Anz Beverley McGarvey...
Set to screen across Network 10 platforms later this year, the next iteration of the franchise has received a $3.9 million grant from the Federal Government’s Location Incentive scheme, with the expectation it inject more than $29 million into regional Australia.
It comes production company Endemol Shine Australia moved the series from Fiji to Cloncurry for the sixth season.
CEO Peter Newman said the company was pleased to bring production back to Queensland.
“Cloncurry provided the game with a visually stunning location, and we know that Charters Towers will provide an equally rich Australian backdrop for the Survivors to battle it out,” he said.
“We look forward to working closely with the local community and crew and supporting the Charters Towers economy throughout a successful production period.”
ViacomCBS chief content officer and EVP Anz Beverley McGarvey...
- 10/5/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
The Federal Government has made two new appointments to the Sbs board, with Vic Alhadeff joining as a non-executive director and Christine Zeitz promoted to deputy chairperson.
Alhadeff spent more than 16 years as the CEO Nsw Jewish Board of Deputies before stepping down from his position in May, after which he has served as a part-time consultant with the organisation and the Executive Council of Australian Jewry.
He is known for spearheading the Keep Nsw Safe coalition, which campaigned successfully to have the Nsw State Government legislate against incitement to violence on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexuality, and various other categories.
A member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Alhadeff is also a former chair of Multicultural Nsw and a previous editor of the Australian Jewish News.
Zeitz has been a non-executive director on the Sbs Board since May 2018. She is the general manager of the Asia...
Alhadeff spent more than 16 years as the CEO Nsw Jewish Board of Deputies before stepping down from his position in May, after which he has served as a part-time consultant with the organisation and the Executive Council of Australian Jewry.
He is known for spearheading the Keep Nsw Safe coalition, which campaigned successfully to have the Nsw State Government legislate against incitement to violence on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexuality, and various other categories.
A member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Alhadeff is also a former chair of Multicultural Nsw and a previous editor of the Australian Jewish News.
Zeitz has been a non-executive director on the Sbs Board since May 2018. She is the general manager of the Asia...
- 10/4/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
The Federal Government has announced three new ABC board appointments, with former Foxtel CEO Peter Tonagh, ex-Seven executive Mario D’Orazio, and Fiona Balfour joining as non-executive directors.
The five-year appointments fill the vacancies left by Kirstin Ferguson and Donny Walford, who left their positions in November, and Vanessa Guthrie, who resigned in March.
Tonagh has spent nearly 14 years in senior executive roles, across Foxtel, Rea, and News Corp Australia.
He has also been a lead independent director at Village Roadshow and is the chairman of Bus Stop Films.
D’Orazio also has an extensive media background, having worked as managing director of Channel 7 Perth for eight years before leaving the position in 2019. He has since served on the board of Australia Post, Australia Council, and the Wa Academy of Performing Art (Waapa).
Balfour’s experience lies in information and communications technology, having spent time as a chief information officer at Qantas and Telstra.
The five-year appointments fill the vacancies left by Kirstin Ferguson and Donny Walford, who left their positions in November, and Vanessa Guthrie, who resigned in March.
Tonagh has spent nearly 14 years in senior executive roles, across Foxtel, Rea, and News Corp Australia.
He has also been a lead independent director at Village Roadshow and is the chairman of Bus Stop Films.
D’Orazio also has an extensive media background, having worked as managing director of Channel 7 Perth for eight years before leaving the position in 2019. He has since served on the board of Australia Post, Australia Council, and the Wa Academy of Performing Art (Waapa).
Balfour’s experience lies in information and communications technology, having spent time as a chief information officer at Qantas and Telstra.
- 5/16/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
The National Film and Sound Archive (Nfsa) will receive a $2 million boost in tomorrow’s Federal Budget as part of a funding package for national collecting institutions.
Announced on Saturday, eight institutions will share in $79.9 million of additional support, of which $32.4 million will go towards the delivery of public services and programs, while $47.5 will be allocated to five institutions for a variety of capital works.
It’s the third time in 12 months the Federal Government has extended assistance to Nfsa, having announced $5.5 million over four years to support its digitisation efforts last June, while committing $2.5 million to the organisation in the October budget.
Acting CEO Nancy Eyers told If the ongoing support would allow its content to remain intact going forward.
“Additional funds for the Nfsa are a direct investment in Australia’s cultural heritage, its preservation and accessibility into the future,” she said.
“The Nfsa preserves more than 120 years of Australia’s film,...
Announced on Saturday, eight institutions will share in $79.9 million of additional support, of which $32.4 million will go towards the delivery of public services and programs, while $47.5 will be allocated to five institutions for a variety of capital works.
It’s the third time in 12 months the Federal Government has extended assistance to Nfsa, having announced $5.5 million over four years to support its digitisation efforts last June, while committing $2.5 million to the organisation in the October budget.
Acting CEO Nancy Eyers told If the ongoing support would allow its content to remain intact going forward.
“Additional funds for the Nfsa are a direct investment in Australia’s cultural heritage, its preservation and accessibility into the future,” she said.
“The Nfsa preserves more than 120 years of Australia’s film,...
- 5/10/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
The Federal Government’s impending media reforms have come under fresh scrutiny from the post-production sector, which is calling for a reassessment of the proposed changes to the Post, Digital and Visual Effects (Pdv) Offset.
While the government backtracked on its initial plan to reduce the Producer Offset for feature films to 30 per cent last month at the behest of industry, there are still plans to double the minimum qualifying expenditure threshold to $1 million, both for that rebate and the 30 per cent Pdv Offset.
In the case of the latter, the move may alter the scope of work available.
Animal Logic CEO and Ausfilm deputy chair Zareh Nalbandian told If raising the minimum Pdv spend could be the difference between winning a project that was a “good stepping stone” for a growing business and “never getting past first base”.
“It is really short-sighted if we want to leverage the opportunity...
While the government backtracked on its initial plan to reduce the Producer Offset for feature films to 30 per cent last month at the behest of industry, there are still plans to double the minimum qualifying expenditure threshold to $1 million, both for that rebate and the 30 per cent Pdv Offset.
In the case of the latter, the move may alter the scope of work available.
Animal Logic CEO and Ausfilm deputy chair Zareh Nalbandian told If raising the minimum Pdv spend could be the difference between winning a project that was a “good stepping stone” for a growing business and “never getting past first base”.
“It is really short-sighted if we want to leverage the opportunity...
- 5/3/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
La Brea, the new NBC series from writer David Applebaum, is bringing production to Australia, Universal Studio Group announced today.
The Universal Group said the upcoming drama series is moving to Down Under for principal photography, visual effects and post-production. The overseas cross is part of a larger effort by the Usg to invest in high-end scripted series in the country.
Usg chairman Pearlena Igbokwe said after having a positive experience with production last fall for Young Rock in Queensland, the Group is excited to bring more production to Australia. “Being able to tap into the creative infrastructure in Australia has been incredible and we are proud to invest back into our global production community. Now, we are delighted to continue our alliance with the Australian government and Hon Paul Fletcher MP for our latest series ‘La Brea’ in Victoria and look forward to broadening our partnership,” Igbokwe said.
In...
The Universal Group said the upcoming drama series is moving to Down Under for principal photography, visual effects and post-production. The overseas cross is part of a larger effort by the Usg to invest in high-end scripted series in the country.
Usg chairman Pearlena Igbokwe said after having a positive experience with production last fall for Young Rock in Queensland, the Group is excited to bring more production to Australia. “Being able to tap into the creative infrastructure in Australia has been incredible and we are proud to invest back into our global production community. Now, we are delighted to continue our alliance with the Australian government and Hon Paul Fletcher MP for our latest series ‘La Brea’ in Victoria and look forward to broadening our partnership,” Igbokwe said.
In...
- 5/3/2021
- by Brandon Choe
- Deadline Film + TV
George Miller’s Mad Max: Fury Road prequel Furiosa has been added to Australia’s list of high-profile productions, with filming on the origin story to commence in Nsw in June.
Set to be shot across multiple locations in Western Sydney and regional Nsw, the film is expected to be the biggest ever made in Australia, creating 850 jobs and injecting at least $350 million into the local economy.
Star Chris Hemsworth, Miller, and producer Doug Mitchell joined Nsw Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher, Nsw Arts Minister Don Harwin, and Nsw Treasurer Dominic Perrottet in announcing the location for the project, which is being funded via Nsw Government’s $175 million Made in Nsw fund and Pdv Rebate, as well as the Federal Government’s 40 per cent Producer Offset.
Furiosa will be produced by Kennedy Miller Mitchell Films, and financed by Warner Bros./Village Roadshow for worldwide distribution.
Set to be shot across multiple locations in Western Sydney and regional Nsw, the film is expected to be the biggest ever made in Australia, creating 850 jobs and injecting at least $350 million into the local economy.
Star Chris Hemsworth, Miller, and producer Doug Mitchell joined Nsw Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher, Nsw Arts Minister Don Harwin, and Nsw Treasurer Dominic Perrottet in announcing the location for the project, which is being funded via Nsw Government’s $175 million Made in Nsw fund and Pdv Rebate, as well as the Federal Government’s 40 per cent Producer Offset.
Furiosa will be produced by Kennedy Miller Mitchell Films, and financed by Warner Bros./Village Roadshow for worldwide distribution.
- 4/19/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
The Australian federal government has extended two key film and funding initiatives. These are expected to help the country’s screen production sector remain active and continue to recover from the disruptions caused by Covid-19.
“The highly effective A$50 million ($38 million) Temporary Interruption Fund will be extended for a further six months, to provide coverage for productions that commence principal photography prior to 31 December 2021,” said Paul Fletcher, federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, on Sunday.
In a second move, Fletcher said: “The Morrison Government will also retain at 40% the Producer Offset rate for feature films with a theatrical release. In addition, as announced last year, the Government will raise the Producer Offset rate from 20% to 30% for other eligible formats such as drama and documentary content for television and streaming platforms.”
The Tif is a revolving pool of finance administered by Screen Australia that allows projects to...
“The highly effective A$50 million ($38 million) Temporary Interruption Fund will be extended for a further six months, to provide coverage for productions that commence principal photography prior to 31 December 2021,” said Paul Fletcher, federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, on Sunday.
In a second move, Fletcher said: “The Morrison Government will also retain at 40% the Producer Offset rate for feature films with a theatrical release. In addition, as announced last year, the Government will raise the Producer Offset rate from 20% to 30% for other eligible formats such as drama and documentary content for television and streaming platforms.”
The Tif is a revolving pool of finance administered by Screen Australia that allows projects to...
- 4/12/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
In a welcome move for industry, the Federal Government has backtracked on its decision to harmonise the Producer Offset for film and television, announcing on Sunday that the offset will remain at 40 per cent for theatrical features.
However, a spokesperson for the Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher confirmed to If that the government still intends to proceed with other controversial aspects of offset reform, including raising the Qape threshold from $500,000 to $1 million, and removing the Gallipoli Clause.
Ahead of last year’s budget, the government announced its intention to level the Producer Offset for both film and television at 30 per cent. Previously, the TV offset had been 20 per cent, and the film offset 40 per cent.
While the move to lift the TV offset was seen as welcome and long-overdue, the decision to reduce the film offset was immediately met with consternation. Many producers argued...
However, a spokesperson for the Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher confirmed to If that the government still intends to proceed with other controversial aspects of offset reform, including raising the Qape threshold from $500,000 to $1 million, and removing the Gallipoli Clause.
Ahead of last year’s budget, the government announced its intention to level the Producer Offset for both film and television at 30 per cent. Previously, the TV offset had been 20 per cent, and the film offset 40 per cent.
While the move to lift the TV offset was seen as welcome and long-overdue, the decision to reduce the film offset was immediately met with consternation. Many producers argued...
- 4/11/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher has doubled down on criticism of the ABC for its response to potential local content obligations, but has sympathised with other industry views on the green paper – namely the call for streaming platforms to spend 20 per cent of their local revenue on Australian content.
Speaking to If, the Minister also addressed industry concerns regarding the harmonisation of the Producer Offset, saying the changes have been “carefully” considered to allow producers to go where there are market opportunities.
Earlier this week, Minister Fletcher publicly replied to ABC managing director David Anderson, who has repeatedly voiced his opposition to the local content obligations for the national broadcaster, most recently at last week’s Senate Estimates.
In an op-ed published by The Australian, Minister Fletcher said Anderson’s claim that the proposal is a breach of the broadcaster’s independence was “quite...
Speaking to If, the Minister also addressed industry concerns regarding the harmonisation of the Producer Offset, saying the changes have been “carefully” considered to allow producers to go where there are market opportunities.
Earlier this week, Minister Fletcher publicly replied to ABC managing director David Anderson, who has repeatedly voiced his opposition to the local content obligations for the national broadcaster, most recently at last week’s Senate Estimates.
In an op-ed published by The Australian, Minister Fletcher said Anderson’s claim that the proposal is a breach of the broadcaster’s independence was “quite...
- 3/31/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Universal Pictures’ “Ticket to Paradise,” starring George Clooney and Julia Roberts, will shoot in Australia, it was announced on Tuesday. It joins a growing slate of Hollywood movies heading Down Under.
The location shoot in Queensland was announced by Paul Fletcher, Australia’s federal minister for communications and the arts. He said that the production will receive a A$6.4 million ($4.92 million) grant from the federal government’s A$540 million ($415 million) Location Incentive Program. It may also be eligible to receive funding from Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy package.
“Ticket to Paradise” was unveiled last month. It will be directed by Ol Parker (“Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again”), and produced by Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner of Working Title.
The movie will feature Clooney and Roberts as a divorced couple who rush to Bali to stop their adult daughter from getting married. It will film in the Whitsunday islands, which will double for Bali.
The location shoot in Queensland was announced by Paul Fletcher, Australia’s federal minister for communications and the arts. He said that the production will receive a A$6.4 million ($4.92 million) grant from the federal government’s A$540 million ($415 million) Location Incentive Program. It may also be eligible to receive funding from Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy package.
“Ticket to Paradise” was unveiled last month. It will be directed by Ol Parker (“Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again”), and produced by Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner of Working Title.
The movie will feature Clooney and Roberts as a divorced couple who rush to Bali to stop their adult daughter from getting married. It will film in the Whitsunday islands, which will double for Bali.
- 3/9/2021
- by Katherine Tulich
- Variety Film + TV
The Documentary Australia Foundation (Daf) is urging the Federal Government to treat documentary distinctly from drama as it proceeds with reform to the Producer Offset.
Specifically, Daf is calling for the ‘status quo’ to be maintained on a number of measures for feature documentary, that is: for the qualifying Australian production expenditure (Qape) threshold to stay at $500,000, and for the Gallipoli clause to remain in place.
In an open letter drafted to Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher that has already attracted around 170 signatories, Daf argues that it is “deeply concerned that a number of the proposed changes [to the Producer Offset] will have unintended consequences likely to devastate documentary feature films”.
“While we welcome the overall intent of the announced changes, we believe minor changes to the proposals with respect to documentary will prevent extensive negative impacts. Left unaddressed, these outcomes would seriously disrupt established businesses, diminish regional,...
Specifically, Daf is calling for the ‘status quo’ to be maintained on a number of measures for feature documentary, that is: for the qualifying Australian production expenditure (Qape) threshold to stay at $500,000, and for the Gallipoli clause to remain in place.
In an open letter drafted to Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher that has already attracted around 170 signatories, Daf argues that it is “deeply concerned that a number of the proposed changes [to the Producer Offset] will have unintended consequences likely to devastate documentary feature films”.
“While we welcome the overall intent of the announced changes, we believe minor changes to the proposals with respect to documentary will prevent extensive negative impacts. Left unaddressed, these outcomes would seriously disrupt established businesses, diminish regional,...
- 3/3/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Adventure reality show “Australian Survivor” is to shoot in Queensland, Australia following the injection of cash from the federal government’s Location Incentive Fund. The first five seasons of the show, which airs on Network 10, had previously lensed in Pacific island countries Samoa and Fiji.
Preparations to shoot season six in Fiji had been under way before the coronavirus outbreak halted work in early 2020. Now, the Endemol Shine Australia show will be filmed deep in the outback, in Cloncurry, 1,700 km north-west of Brisbane. The area is known for its harsh climate and challenging weather conditions.
Federal Communications and Arts Minister Paul Fletcher said: “ ‘Australian Survivor was one of the many world–renowned productions jeopardized by the Covid-19 pandemic, which is why we are pleased to provide A$3.9 million ($3.02 million) to get the series back on our screens in 2021.” The federal Location Incentives Program, received a A$400 million ($310 million) funding...
Preparations to shoot season six in Fiji had been under way before the coronavirus outbreak halted work in early 2020. Now, the Endemol Shine Australia show will be filmed deep in the outback, in Cloncurry, 1,700 km north-west of Brisbane. The area is known for its harsh climate and challenging weather conditions.
Federal Communications and Arts Minister Paul Fletcher said: “ ‘Australian Survivor was one of the many world–renowned productions jeopardized by the Covid-19 pandemic, which is why we are pleased to provide A$3.9 million ($3.02 million) to get the series back on our screens in 2021.” The federal Location Incentives Program, received a A$400 million ($310 million) funding...
- 2/11/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s Global Bulletin, streamers face potential content quotas in Australia, Leonine hires former Red Arrow exec Nina Etspueler, Channel 4 commissions a second Diana doc and Tallinn’s industry section announces its winners.
Quota
Global platforms facing imminent local production quotas across Europe could be looking at a similar situation in Australia, where new proposed TV reforms could force international streaming services to invest heavily in local content.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, that is just one of two parts of a government plan to level the regulatory playing field between streamers and traditional free-to-air networks in Australia, which are struggling in the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The government is also considering the removal of annual broadcast spectrum taxes for commercial TV networks and replacing them with an entirely new licensing program that could save local broadcasters as much as $12 million Aud ($8.85 million) per year.
Proposed...
Quota
Global platforms facing imminent local production quotas across Europe could be looking at a similar situation in Australia, where new proposed TV reforms could force international streaming services to invest heavily in local content.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, that is just one of two parts of a government plan to level the regulatory playing field between streamers and traditional free-to-air networks in Australia, which are struggling in the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The government is also considering the removal of annual broadcast spectrum taxes for commercial TV networks and replacing them with an entirely new licensing program that could save local broadcasters as much as $12 million Aud ($8.85 million) per year.
Proposed...
- 11/27/2020
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Ron Howard’s Thirteen Lives, based on the Thai caves rescue, is the latest in a string of international projects coming to Australia, due to shoot in the Gold Coast from March.
The Federal Government has splashed $13 million to lure the Imagine Entertainment/MGM project via the Location Incentive Program, with the expectation it will inject $90 million into the economy and create 435 jobs for cast and crew, as well as 3,400 extras. The Queensland government has also provided support via its production attraction program.
Penned by the Oscar-nominated writer William Nicholson (Gladiator), Thirteen Lives will depict the true story of the 2018 Tham Laung cave rescue of a boys’ soccer team, trapped in a cave by heavy rain and flooding.
After the team was stuck for days with no supplies and falling oxygen levels, a group from all over the world came together to to save the boys, including expert divers from Australia and the UK.
The Federal Government has splashed $13 million to lure the Imagine Entertainment/MGM project via the Location Incentive Program, with the expectation it will inject $90 million into the economy and create 435 jobs for cast and crew, as well as 3,400 extras. The Queensland government has also provided support via its production attraction program.
Penned by the Oscar-nominated writer William Nicholson (Gladiator), Thirteen Lives will depict the true story of the 2018 Tham Laung cave rescue of a boys’ soccer team, trapped in a cave by heavy rain and flooding.
After the team was stuck for days with no supplies and falling oxygen levels, a group from all over the world came together to to save the boys, including expert divers from Australia and the UK.
- 11/27/2020
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Imagine Entertainment and MGM will roll cameras on Ron Howard’s upcoming drama Thirteen Lives, based on the 2018 Thai caves rescue incident, in Australia next March. The Australian government is injecting Aud $13 million into the project, which will use Queensland’s Gold Coast to double for Thailand.
Thirteen Lives is based on the true story of the 2018 Tham Laung cave rescue of a boys’ soccer team, who were trapped for days with no supplies and decreasing oxygen levels. A group of divers from all over the world came together to retrieve them.
Producers are Brian Grazer, P.J. van Sandwijk, Gabrielle Tana and Karen Lunder.
Paul Fletcher, Australian Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, said the production is expected to inject more than Aud $96 million into the economy, directly creating around 435 jobs for cast and crew, as well as an equivalent 3,400 background extra days.
“Over the years, I’ve...
Thirteen Lives is based on the true story of the 2018 Tham Laung cave rescue of a boys’ soccer team, who were trapped for days with no supplies and decreasing oxygen levels. A group of divers from all over the world came together to retrieve them.
Producers are Brian Grazer, P.J. van Sandwijk, Gabrielle Tana and Karen Lunder.
Paul Fletcher, Australian Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, said the production is expected to inject more than Aud $96 million into the economy, directly creating around 435 jobs for cast and crew, as well as an equivalent 3,400 background extra days.
“Over the years, I’ve...
- 11/27/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Oscar-winning filmmaker Ron Howard’s “Thirteen Lives,” based on the 2018 Thai caves rescue mission, will start filming in March in Queensland, Australia.
Australia will provide A$13 million ($9.6 million) to MGM and Imagine Entertainment towards the production, with Queenland’s Gold Coast hinterland doubling up for Thailand.
Produced by Oscar-winner Brian Grazer, P.J. van Sandwijk, Gabrielle Tana and Karen Lunder, “Thirteen Lives” follows the true story of the 2018 Tham Laung cave rescue of a boys’ soccer team, trapped in a cave by heavy rain and flooding. After the team was stuck for days with no supplies and falling oxygen levels, a group from all over the world came together to work with the people of Thailand to save the boys. Among those experts were a group of divers from the U.K. and Australia.
“Over the years, I’ve both enjoyed and creatively benefitted from collaborations with Australian artists and technicians...
Australia will provide A$13 million ($9.6 million) to MGM and Imagine Entertainment towards the production, with Queenland’s Gold Coast hinterland doubling up for Thailand.
Produced by Oscar-winner Brian Grazer, P.J. van Sandwijk, Gabrielle Tana and Karen Lunder, “Thirteen Lives” follows the true story of the 2018 Tham Laung cave rescue of a boys’ soccer team, trapped in a cave by heavy rain and flooding. After the team was stuck for days with no supplies and falling oxygen levels, a group from all over the world came together to work with the people of Thailand to save the boys. Among those experts were a group of divers from the U.K. and Australia.
“Over the years, I’ve both enjoyed and creatively benefitted from collaborations with Australian artists and technicians...
- 11/27/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The streaming giants would be forced to spend on Australian content, the commercial broadcasters offered a new licence system, and the role of the ABC and Sbs in producing local programming formalised, if policies outlined in a new green paper from the Federal Government are adopted.
Released today for industry consultation, the paper, dubbed ‘Modernising television regulation in Australia’ outlines the government’s intended ‘next stage’ of media reform. This is in line with its response to last year’s Accc Digital Platforms Inquiry, when it committed to a “platform-neutral regulatory framework”.
September saw the first step in the reform plan, with announcements including the overhaul of the fixed content quotas on commercial free-to-air, and the harmonisation of the film and TV Producer Offsets at 30 per cent.
At that stage, streaming services were merely asked to begin reporting their Australian acquisitions to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (Acma).
Yet Minister for Communications,...
Released today for industry consultation, the paper, dubbed ‘Modernising television regulation in Australia’ outlines the government’s intended ‘next stage’ of media reform. This is in line with its response to last year’s Accc Digital Platforms Inquiry, when it committed to a “platform-neutral regulatory framework”.
September saw the first step in the reform plan, with announcements including the overhaul of the fixed content quotas on commercial free-to-air, and the harmonisation of the film and TV Producer Offsets at 30 per cent.
At that stage, streaming services were merely asked to begin reporting their Australian acquisitions to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (Acma).
Yet Minister for Communications,...
- 11/27/2020
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Expenditure on screen production in Australia plunged by 18% in the financial year to June 2020, reflecting a near total shutdown of large-scale drama filming from March, due to the impact of the coronavirus and work from home regulations. But, until the virus struck in the fourth (April to June) quarter much of the industry had been on course for a record year.
“If you think that we lost more than a quarter of our year, three and a half months, but ended down only 18%, that’s a good result. It is only half the downturn you might have thought,” Screen Australia CEO, Graeme Mason told Variety.
The July 2019-June 20202 period saw total production spending of A$990 million ($693 million) coming from production of local and foreign feature, television and online drama titles, as well as post, digital and visual effects, according to Screen Australia’s annual Drama Report. The report counts spending...
“If you think that we lost more than a quarter of our year, three and a half months, but ended down only 18%, that’s a good result. It is only half the downturn you might have thought,” Screen Australia CEO, Graeme Mason told Variety.
The July 2019-June 20202 period saw total production spending of A$990 million ($693 million) coming from production of local and foreign feature, television and online drama titles, as well as post, digital and visual effects, according to Screen Australia’s annual Drama Report. The report counts spending...
- 11/26/2020
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
The Federal Government has splashed $21.58 million to lure two Netflix titles to Australia: feature film Escape From Spiderhead, due to shoot on the Gold Coast, and eight-part series Pieces of Her, bound for Sydney.
Both projects have been coaxed here via the government’s $400 million Location Incentive Program, with the expectation that combined they will inject around $160 million into the economy and create 770 local jobs.
Notably, both projects star homegrown talent. Chris Hemsworth leads the cast of Escape from Spiderhead, while Toni Collette, Bella Heathcoate and David Wenham are attached to star in Pieces of Her, executive produced by Bruna Papandrea’s Made Up Stories.
“Australia’s world-class production sector is renowned for being hardworking and these productions will support hundreds of jobs – from carpenters, lighting technicians and set designers to actors, crews and special effects teams,” said Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts Paul Fletcher in announcing the projects.
Both projects have been coaxed here via the government’s $400 million Location Incentive Program, with the expectation that combined they will inject around $160 million into the economy and create 770 local jobs.
Notably, both projects star homegrown talent. Chris Hemsworth leads the cast of Escape from Spiderhead, while Toni Collette, Bella Heathcoate and David Wenham are attached to star in Pieces of Her, executive produced by Bruna Papandrea’s Made Up Stories.
“Australia’s world-class production sector is renowned for being hardworking and these productions will support hundreds of jobs – from carpenters, lighting technicians and set designers to actors, crews and special effects teams,” said Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts Paul Fletcher in announcing the projects.
- 11/15/2020
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
The Actf-supported ‘Little J & Big Cuz.’
The Australian Children’s Television Foundation plans to increase spending on development, invest higher amounts in commissioned productions and offer more distribution guarantees thanks to an additional $20 million in government funding.
In a further encouraging sign for producers, Actf CEO Jenny Buckland says she is talking to a wide range of free-to-air broadcasters and streaming platforms that have expressed interest in kids’ content despite the abolition of the sub-quotas.
As a partial trade-off for scrapping the quotas, the federal budget allocated an extra $20 million to the Actf and $30 million to Screen Australia over two years, starting on July 1 2021.
“It’s going to be a huge extension of our existing programs – we’ll be able to offer more of everything – and we’re aiming to be as nimble and flexible as possible,” Buckland tells If.
“With the Offset for TV increasing to 30 per cent and...
The Australian Children’s Television Foundation plans to increase spending on development, invest higher amounts in commissioned productions and offer more distribution guarantees thanks to an additional $20 million in government funding.
In a further encouraging sign for producers, Actf CEO Jenny Buckland says she is talking to a wide range of free-to-air broadcasters and streaming platforms that have expressed interest in kids’ content despite the abolition of the sub-quotas.
As a partial trade-off for scrapping the quotas, the federal budget allocated an extra $20 million to the Actf and $30 million to Screen Australia over two years, starting on July 1 2021.
“It’s going to be a huge extension of our existing programs – we’ll be able to offer more of everything – and we’re aiming to be as nimble and flexible as possible,” Buckland tells If.
“With the Offset for TV increasing to 30 per cent and...
- 10/20/2020
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
‘Combat Wombat’.
Like a Photon Creative’s animated family franchise The Tales From Sanctuary City continues to rack up overseas sales, ranking as one of Australia’s most successful exports.
The second film in the trilogy, Combat Wombat, which opened in Australian cinemas last weekend as an alternate content release, has been pre-sold to more than 100 countries by Odin’s Eye Entertainment, with more deals in negotiation.
Directed by Ricard Cussó and produced by Like a Photon’s Nadine Bates and Kristen Souvlis, the Screen Queensland-supported franchise kicked off with The Wishmas Tree. The third title, Daisy Quokka: World’s Scariest Animal, is in post.
“The Tales From Sanctuary City franchise has been amongst our top selling titles over the past 18 months,” Odin’s Eye’s Michael Favelle tells If.
“The confidence that our distribution partners have shown has been phenomenal with several distributors snapping up the complete franchise as...
Like a Photon Creative’s animated family franchise The Tales From Sanctuary City continues to rack up overseas sales, ranking as one of Australia’s most successful exports.
The second film in the trilogy, Combat Wombat, which opened in Australian cinemas last weekend as an alternate content release, has been pre-sold to more than 100 countries by Odin’s Eye Entertainment, with more deals in negotiation.
Directed by Ricard Cussó and produced by Like a Photon’s Nadine Bates and Kristen Souvlis, the Screen Queensland-supported franchise kicked off with The Wishmas Tree. The third title, Daisy Quokka: World’s Scariest Animal, is in post.
“The Tales From Sanctuary City franchise has been amongst our top selling titles over the past 18 months,” Odin’s Eye’s Michael Favelle tells If.
“The confidence that our distribution partners have shown has been phenomenal with several distributors snapping up the complete franchise as...
- 10/18/2020
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Graeme Mason.
Screen Australia CEO Graeme Mason was “slightly bemused” by some of the industry’s reaction to the Federal Government’s plan to harmonise the Producer Offset for both film and TV at 30 per cent from July next year.
While the extra 10 per cent for the TV offset has been largely welcomed, Screen Producers Australia (Spa) has said any reduction to the film offset – currently at 40 per cent – could “mean the end of the line for so many great Australian feature films”.
Indeed, various producers have described the offset decision as the “death knell” of Australian cinema, and predict a crippling impact on theatrical releases.
Mason understands feature filmmakers concerns, but has said it has felt “a little bit over the top to think it’s the end of the world”.
As he sees sees it, even with the changes, an Australian producer could potentially finance more than 50 per...
Screen Australia CEO Graeme Mason was “slightly bemused” by some of the industry’s reaction to the Federal Government’s plan to harmonise the Producer Offset for both film and TV at 30 per cent from July next year.
While the extra 10 per cent for the TV offset has been largely welcomed, Screen Producers Australia (Spa) has said any reduction to the film offset – currently at 40 per cent – could “mean the end of the line for so many great Australian feature films”.
Indeed, various producers have described the offset decision as the “death knell” of Australian cinema, and predict a crippling impact on theatrical releases.
Mason understands feature filmmakers concerns, but has said it has felt “a little bit over the top to think it’s the end of the world”.
As he sees sees it, even with the changes, an Australian producer could potentially finance more than 50 per...
- 10/6/2020
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
ABC staff have voted overwhelmingly to reject the proposed deferral of a 2 per cent pay rise which was was agreed on in last year’s three-year Enterprise Agreement.
Communications Minister Paul Fletcher wrote to ABC MD David Anderson in May asking ABC employees to accept the same six months wage rise pause imposed on the Australian Public Service in response to the Covid-19 crisis.
In an email to staff earlier this month, ABC chair Ita Buttrose said the board had decided to ask staff to vote on whether to accept the deferral, which would have delivered a one-off benefit of $5 million but would not help the broadcaster achieve the annual savings requirement of $41 million by fiscal 2022.
As she pointed out, the ABC Act guarantees the independence of the Corporation and the sole responsibility for setting the pay and conditions for staff rests with the ABC Board.
The Act also requires...
Communications Minister Paul Fletcher wrote to ABC MD David Anderson in May asking ABC employees to accept the same six months wage rise pause imposed on the Australian Public Service in response to the Covid-19 crisis.
In an email to staff earlier this month, ABC chair Ita Buttrose said the board had decided to ask staff to vote on whether to accept the deferral, which would have delivered a one-off benefit of $5 million but would not help the broadcaster achieve the annual savings requirement of $41 million by fiscal 2022.
As she pointed out, the ABC Act guarantees the independence of the Corporation and the sole responsibility for setting the pay and conditions for staff rests with the ABC Board.
The Act also requires...
- 9/30/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Paul Fletcher.
In a major overhaul of the regulatory system, the Federal Government is scrapping the fixed quotas for local drama, children’s programming and documentary and harmonising the film and TV Producer Offsets at 30 per cent.
Ignoring the vast majority of submissions to its Supporting Australian Stories on our Screens Options Paper review, the government has elected not to impose local content spending obligations on SVOD platforms.
Instead, it will merely ask the streaming services to report their Australian acquisitions to the Australian Communications and Media Authority from next year.
Foxtel is a major beneficiary of the reforms as the requirement to allocate 10 per cent of the revenues of its drama channels on local content will be halved from next July.
Setting the Producer Offsets for film, TV and docs at 30 per cent from July 1 2021 will be welcomed by TV producers but will almost certainly make it much tougher...
In a major overhaul of the regulatory system, the Federal Government is scrapping the fixed quotas for local drama, children’s programming and documentary and harmonising the film and TV Producer Offsets at 30 per cent.
Ignoring the vast majority of submissions to its Supporting Australian Stories on our Screens Options Paper review, the government has elected not to impose local content spending obligations on SVOD platforms.
Instead, it will merely ask the streaming services to report their Australian acquisitions to the Australian Communications and Media Authority from next year.
Foxtel is a major beneficiary of the reforms as the requirement to allocate 10 per cent of the revenues of its drama channels on local content will be halved from next July.
Setting the Producer Offsets for film, TV and docs at 30 per cent from July 1 2021 will be welcomed by TV producers but will almost certainly make it much tougher...
- 9/29/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Ita Buttrose.
ABC staff will vote next week on whether or not to accept the Federal Government’s request to defer for six months a 2 per cent pay rise that is due to come into effect on October 1.
Communications Minister Paul Fletcher wrote to ABC MD David Anderson in May proposing that ABC employees accept the same wage rise pause imposed on the Australian Public Service in response to the Covid-19 crisis.
In an email to staff, ABC chair Ita Buttrose said the board has been considering this request and after exploring many options decided to ask ABC staff to vote on whether to accept the deferral.
“The decision is yours,” she said, noting a deferral would deliver a one-off benefit of $5 million but would not help the broadcaster achieve the annual savings requirement of $41 million by fiscal 2022.
“It will enable us, however, to make a significant investment in two...
ABC staff will vote next week on whether or not to accept the Federal Government’s request to defer for six months a 2 per cent pay rise that is due to come into effect on October 1.
Communications Minister Paul Fletcher wrote to ABC MD David Anderson in May proposing that ABC employees accept the same wage rise pause imposed on the Australian Public Service in response to the Covid-19 crisis.
In an email to staff, ABC chair Ita Buttrose said the board has been considering this request and after exploring many options decided to ask ABC staff to vote on whether to accept the deferral.
“The decision is yours,” she said, noting a deferral would deliver a one-off benefit of $5 million but would not help the broadcaster achieve the annual savings requirement of $41 million by fiscal 2022.
“It will enable us, however, to make a significant investment in two...
- 9/17/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Liane Moriarty.
In a coup for Nsw, Nicole Kidman’s Blossom Films and Bruna Papandrea’s Made Up Stories will shoot Nine Perfect Strangers, a Hulu-commissioned series based on Liane Moriarty’s novel, in the the Northern Rivers, injecting more than $100 million into the state’s economy.
Shooting will start on August 10 and Kidman and her core creative team have established an isolated production hub under police-supervised quarantine at her Southern Highlands property so pre-production can continue remotely.
As If reported, filming in Nsw was contingent on Border Force Australia granting exemptions on travel restrictions to Kidman’s co-stars including Melissa McCarthy, Luke Evans, Manny Jacinto and Melvin Gregg, and other key creatives.
Samara Weaving, Asher Keddie and Grace Van Patten have joined the cast. All hotel, medical and security costs will be borne by the production.
Following discussions with the Federal Government, Screen Nsw and the Nsw health authorities,...
In a coup for Nsw, Nicole Kidman’s Blossom Films and Bruna Papandrea’s Made Up Stories will shoot Nine Perfect Strangers, a Hulu-commissioned series based on Liane Moriarty’s novel, in the the Northern Rivers, injecting more than $100 million into the state’s economy.
Shooting will start on August 10 and Kidman and her core creative team have established an isolated production hub under police-supervised quarantine at her Southern Highlands property so pre-production can continue remotely.
As If reported, filming in Nsw was contingent on Border Force Australia granting exemptions on travel restrictions to Kidman’s co-stars including Melissa McCarthy, Luke Evans, Manny Jacinto and Melvin Gregg, and other key creatives.
Samara Weaving, Asher Keddie and Grace Van Patten have joined the cast. All hotel, medical and security costs will be borne by the production.
Following discussions with the Federal Government, Screen Nsw and the Nsw health authorities,...
- 7/19/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
The Australian federal government will offer some $280 million ($400 million Aud) to attract large inbound foreign film productions. The measure was announced Friday local time by Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
The new Location Incentive plan will provide cash grants over the next seven years. It is in addition to Australia’s Location Offset system, under which projects can receive rebates for production and post-production work done in the country.
The Location Incentive program also follows a $175 million ($250 million Aud package) revealed last month to support the wider arts and entertainment sector recover from coronavirus. Of that, $34.4 million ($50 million Aud) was allocated to the film and TV sectors, much of it in the form of financial guarantees for insurance policies that allow film and TV productions to restart.
“The Location Incentive is an economic multiplier. It will sustain the vitality of Australian screen production and support jobs and local businesses,” said federal Arts Minister Paul Fletcher.
The new Location Incentive plan will provide cash grants over the next seven years. It is in addition to Australia’s Location Offset system, under which projects can receive rebates for production and post-production work done in the country.
The Location Incentive program also follows a $175 million ($250 million Aud package) revealed last month to support the wider arts and entertainment sector recover from coronavirus. Of that, $34.4 million ($50 million Aud) was allocated to the film and TV sectors, much of it in the form of financial guarantees for insurance policies that allow film and TV productions to restart.
“The Location Incentive is an economic multiplier. It will sustain the vitality of Australian screen production and support jobs and local businesses,” said federal Arts Minister Paul Fletcher.
- 7/17/2020
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
The Federal Government has announced a seven-year, $400 million incentive to attract film and television productions to Australia.
The government says the extension of the current $140 million Location Incentive Program (Lip) will generate an estimated $3 billion in foreign spending and create up to 8,000 jobs.
While the initiative will be welcomed by Ausfilm, studios, Pdv facilities and crew, the timing is odd given the government is yet to respond to the options paper review.
Virtually all the submissions from key stakeholders to the review called for the Location Offset to be raised from the non-competitive 16.5 per cent to 30 per cent.
Free TV Australia expressed frustration at the timing of the announcement amid the ongoing review into local content, quotas and support for the domestic industry.
“It’s difficult to understand why the government has made a one-off decision now about a single element of the mix right in the middle of this process,...
The government says the extension of the current $140 million Location Incentive Program (Lip) will generate an estimated $3 billion in foreign spending and create up to 8,000 jobs.
While the initiative will be welcomed by Ausfilm, studios, Pdv facilities and crew, the timing is odd given the government is yet to respond to the options paper review.
Virtually all the submissions from key stakeholders to the review called for the Location Offset to be raised from the non-competitive 16.5 per cent to 30 per cent.
Free TV Australia expressed frustration at the timing of the announcement amid the ongoing review into local content, quotas and support for the domestic industry.
“It’s difficult to understand why the government has made a one-off decision now about a single element of the mix right in the middle of this process,...
- 7/16/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
(L-r) Bridget Fair, Jenny Buckland, Nick Murray and Matt Deaner.
The Federal Government is evaluating more than than 300 submissions to the options paper review, which is designed to lead to a platform-neutral regulatory framework.
If Communications Minister Paul Fletcher and his Cabinet colleagues are persuaded by the majority of the views expressed in the responses which If has reported, a number of key reforms appear likely to be adopted.
“We’re pleased there’s broad support from the screen sector for constructive and positive change and urge the government to stick to its planned time frame to initiate reform in 2020,” Screen Producers Australia CEO Matt Deaner tells If.
There is a high level of support for the following measures, apart from dissenting voices from those with vested interests, primarily the SVOD services, Foxtel and commercial free-to-air (Fta) broadcasters.
– Platform-agnostic expenditure requirement for content providers, based on revenues, spanning commercial FTAs,...
The Federal Government is evaluating more than than 300 submissions to the options paper review, which is designed to lead to a platform-neutral regulatory framework.
If Communications Minister Paul Fletcher and his Cabinet colleagues are persuaded by the majority of the views expressed in the responses which If has reported, a number of key reforms appear likely to be adopted.
“We’re pleased there’s broad support from the screen sector for constructive and positive change and urge the government to stick to its planned time frame to initiate reform in 2020,” Screen Producers Australia CEO Matt Deaner tells If.
There is a high level of support for the following measures, apart from dissenting voices from those with vested interests, primarily the SVOD services, Foxtel and commercial free-to-air (Fta) broadcasters.
– Platform-agnostic expenditure requirement for content providers, based on revenues, spanning commercial FTAs,...
- 7/10/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
The Federal Government has confirmed the $50 million Temporary Interruption Fund (Tif) will provide coverage if productions incur additional expense due to delays caused by Covid-19.
That will protect producers if key cast or creatives contract the disease and are unable to work.
“This addresses concerns arising from Covid-19 exclusions from insurance policies,” a spokesperson for Paul Fletcher, Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, told If today.
“Financiers can commit to productions while Tif acts as an important bridge to allow them to resume production while a market-based solution is expected to be developed.”
The government announced the fund last week as part of a $250 million rescue package for the arts and entertainment industries.
It said the fund administered by Screen Australia will operate for 12 months and is designed to support screen producers to secure finance and start filming again.
Guidelines detailing the eligibility criteria for productions to access...
That will protect producers if key cast or creatives contract the disease and are unable to work.
“This addresses concerns arising from Covid-19 exclusions from insurance policies,” a spokesperson for Paul Fletcher, Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, told If today.
“Financiers can commit to productions while Tif acts as an important bridge to allow them to resume production while a market-based solution is expected to be developed.”
The government announced the fund last week as part of a $250 million rescue package for the arts and entertainment industries.
It said the fund administered by Screen Australia will operate for 12 months and is designed to support screen producers to secure finance and start filming again.
Guidelines detailing the eligibility criteria for productions to access...
- 6/30/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts Paul Fletcher and Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
The Federal Government announced its anticipated arts rescue package today, rolling out a suite of measures totalling $250 million, including a $50 million fund for screen production to be administered by Screen Australia.
The package follows months of ongoing lobbying from the sector for targeted assistance. An estimated 120 screen productions were impacted by Covid-19 shutdowns, with more than 30,000 jobs affected.
The $50 million ‘Temporary Interruption Fund’ will be designed to support screen producers to secure finance and start filming again, with the government noting that production restart has been delayed by a lack of insurance coverage.
The measure has been praised by Screen Producers Australia (Spa), with the organisation arguing it would provide much needed capital for the independent production sector to restart.
“The benefits of this package will extend far beyond the personnel on a physical set,...
The Federal Government announced its anticipated arts rescue package today, rolling out a suite of measures totalling $250 million, including a $50 million fund for screen production to be administered by Screen Australia.
The package follows months of ongoing lobbying from the sector for targeted assistance. An estimated 120 screen productions were impacted by Covid-19 shutdowns, with more than 30,000 jobs affected.
The $50 million ‘Temporary Interruption Fund’ will be designed to support screen producers to secure finance and start filming again, with the government noting that production restart has been delayed by a lack of insurance coverage.
The measure has been praised by Screen Producers Australia (Spa), with the organisation arguing it would provide much needed capital for the independent production sector to restart.
“The benefits of this package will extend far beyond the personnel on a physical set,...
- 6/25/2020
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
‘Bluey’ will be among the shows on the ABC to be audio described.
Following long-standing advocacy efforts, the ABC and Sbs will officially launch audio description (Ad) services this week, making their programs more accessible to the more than 450,000 Australians who are blind or vision-impaired.
Ad is an additional verbal commentary of important visual elements in a film or television show, delivered between lines of dialogue. This may include movements, gestures, settings and costumes. It can be turned on and off as required, similar to closed captions.
As flagged last December, the broadcasters will each receive $2 million in Federal Government funding over the 2020-21 financial year to provide the service across an average of 14 hours of weekly programming.
Both broadcasters have been running Ad trials over recent months, and there have been previous trials on the ABC in 2012 and ABC iview in 2015-2016.
Prior to this, Australia was the only...
Following long-standing advocacy efforts, the ABC and Sbs will officially launch audio description (Ad) services this week, making their programs more accessible to the more than 450,000 Australians who are blind or vision-impaired.
Ad is an additional verbal commentary of important visual elements in a film or television show, delivered between lines of dialogue. This may include movements, gestures, settings and costumes. It can be turned on and off as required, similar to closed captions.
As flagged last December, the broadcasters will each receive $2 million in Federal Government funding over the 2020-21 financial year to provide the service across an average of 14 hours of weekly programming.
Both broadcasters have been running Ad trials over recent months, and there have been previous trials on the ABC in 2012 and ABC iview in 2015-2016.
Prior to this, Australia was the only...
- 6/22/2020
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
(L-r): Russel Howcroft and Chris Oliver-Taylor.
Australian Film Television and Radio School (Aftrs) council chair Russel Howcroft has been re-appointed for a second three-year term, while Fremantle Asia-Pacific CEO Chris Oliver-Taylor has joined the council.
Howcroft, recently announced as the new co-host of 3Aw’s Breakfast program with Ross Stephenson, has an extensive industry resume that spans executive general manager of Network Ten, founding chair Think TV, inaugural chief creative officer at PwC Australia, as well as chairman of the Advertising Federation of Australia and CEO of leading advertising agency George Patterson Y&r. He has been a regular panellist on Cjz’s Gruen.
Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP said: “I am delighted that Russel Howcroft is continuing as Chair of Aftrs. Mr Howcroft has significant creative industry experience and in his role as Chair he is making a valuable contribution...
Australian Film Television and Radio School (Aftrs) council chair Russel Howcroft has been re-appointed for a second three-year term, while Fremantle Asia-Pacific CEO Chris Oliver-Taylor has joined the council.
Howcroft, recently announced as the new co-host of 3Aw’s Breakfast program with Ross Stephenson, has an extensive industry resume that spans executive general manager of Network Ten, founding chair Think TV, inaugural chief creative officer at PwC Australia, as well as chairman of the Advertising Federation of Australia and CEO of leading advertising agency George Patterson Y&r. He has been a regular panellist on Cjz’s Gruen.
Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP said: “I am delighted that Russel Howcroft is continuing as Chair of Aftrs. Mr Howcroft has significant creative industry experience and in his role as Chair he is making a valuable contribution...
- 6/17/2020
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Paul Fletcher and Scott Morrison.
Financial support from the Federal Government for the hundreds of thousands of screen industry practitioners who lost their jobs during the pandemic could be imminent.
Communications Minister Paul Fletcher has confirmed the government is looking to assist the arts and entertainment and screen sectors “which might need longer term support.”
Fletcher also reiterated that the government is consulting with Screen Australia and the film and TV industry on the major stumbling block facing new productions: mitigating the Covid-19 insurance risk.
“The government is very focused on stimulating the economy, creating jobs, and getting people back at work safely,” a spokesperson for the Minister tells If.
“As the Prime Minister has said, work is being done beyond the broad strokes of JobKeeper and JobSeeker, with the government looking closely at a range of sectors – including the arts and entertainment and screen sectors – which might need longer term support.
Financial support from the Federal Government for the hundreds of thousands of screen industry practitioners who lost their jobs during the pandemic could be imminent.
Communications Minister Paul Fletcher has confirmed the government is looking to assist the arts and entertainment and screen sectors “which might need longer term support.”
Fletcher also reiterated that the government is consulting with Screen Australia and the film and TV industry on the major stumbling block facing new productions: mitigating the Covid-19 insurance risk.
“The government is very focused on stimulating the economy, creating jobs, and getting people back at work safely,” a spokesperson for the Minister tells If.
“As the Prime Minister has said, work is being done beyond the broad strokes of JobKeeper and JobSeeker, with the government looking closely at a range of sectors – including the arts and entertainment and screen sectors – which might need longer term support.
- 6/3/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Paul Fletcher.
If the Federal Government needed any further vindication for imposing a mandatory code which will force Google, Facebook and other international digital platforms to pay Australian media companies for sharing news content, Google Australia’s latest financial results are timely.
The Internet giant last week revealed advertising revenues in Oz in calendar 2019 jumped by 16 per cent to $4.3 billion – and it made a pre-tax profit of $134 million on net revenues of $1.2 billion.
Paul Fletcher, the Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, tells If: “Google extracts a lot of advertising revenue from the Australian market, as their latest results confirm.
“It is another illustration of the substantial market power of Google and Facebook which the Accc highlighted in its report last year.
“Google and Facebook use content that is generated by Australian media businesses to accumulate eyeballs which they are monetising through advertising revenue.”
Nine chairman Peter Costello and News Corp.
If the Federal Government needed any further vindication for imposing a mandatory code which will force Google, Facebook and other international digital platforms to pay Australian media companies for sharing news content, Google Australia’s latest financial results are timely.
The Internet giant last week revealed advertising revenues in Oz in calendar 2019 jumped by 16 per cent to $4.3 billion – and it made a pre-tax profit of $134 million on net revenues of $1.2 billion.
Paul Fletcher, the Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, tells If: “Google extracts a lot of advertising revenue from the Australian market, as their latest results confirm.
“It is another illustration of the substantial market power of Google and Facebook which the Accc highlighted in its report last year.
“Google and Facebook use content that is generated by Australian media businesses to accumulate eyeballs which they are monetising through advertising revenue.”
Nine chairman Peter Costello and News Corp.
- 5/18/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Paul Fletcher.
Paul Fletcher acknowledges the urgency of resolving the Covid-19 insurance risk issue for screen productions and other sectors, and promises to formulate the Federal Government’s media reforms as quickly as possible after the consultation period.
In a wide-ranging interview with If, the Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts also re-iterated the temporary suspension of the commercial broadcasters’ local content quotas was implemented solely due to the production shutdown, which meant the networks could not fulfill their 2020 obligations.
While he is unwilling to preempt his decision on whether or not to continue the suspension next year, he indicated the state of the TV advertising market would not be a factor.
The Minister has begun a series of roundtables as part of the consultation process following the release of the Screen Australia/Acma options paper, which sets out four potential models for how local screen content could...
Paul Fletcher acknowledges the urgency of resolving the Covid-19 insurance risk issue for screen productions and other sectors, and promises to formulate the Federal Government’s media reforms as quickly as possible after the consultation period.
In a wide-ranging interview with If, the Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts also re-iterated the temporary suspension of the commercial broadcasters’ local content quotas was implemented solely due to the production shutdown, which meant the networks could not fulfill their 2020 obligations.
While he is unwilling to preempt his decision on whether or not to continue the suspension next year, he indicated the state of the TV advertising market would not be a factor.
The Minister has begun a series of roundtables as part of the consultation process following the release of the Screen Australia/Acma options paper, which sets out four potential models for how local screen content could...
- 5/17/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
The Meaa’s The Great Australian Binge initiative, which invites people to vote online for the Australian film or show they’ve loved watching in lockdown, reveals a large fondness for nostalgic TV.
The most popular show thus far – voting closes at midnight this Sunday – is McLeod’s Daughters, the Nine Network drama co-created by Posie Graeme-Evans and Caroline Stanton, which is airing on Stan.
The show starring Bridie Carter, Sonia Todd, Jessica Napier, Rachael Carpani, Simmone Mackinnon and Aaron Jeffery ran on Nine for eight seasons from 2001 to 2009.
Fremantle’s Wentworth is running second, followed by Bunya Productions’ Mystery Road series, Riley Turner Productions’ Kath & Kim (which is streaming on Netflix) and Fremantle’s Neighbours.
Nearly 5,500 people have voted so far. Each is automatically referred to a petition calling on Arts Minister Paul Fletcher to do more to support the people who make the entertainment that Australia loves. The...
The most popular show thus far – voting closes at midnight this Sunday – is McLeod’s Daughters, the Nine Network drama co-created by Posie Graeme-Evans and Caroline Stanton, which is airing on Stan.
The show starring Bridie Carter, Sonia Todd, Jessica Napier, Rachael Carpani, Simmone Mackinnon and Aaron Jeffery ran on Nine for eight seasons from 2001 to 2009.
Fremantle’s Wentworth is running second, followed by Bunya Productions’ Mystery Road series, Riley Turner Productions’ Kath & Kim (which is streaming on Netflix) and Fremantle’s Neighbours.
Nearly 5,500 people have voted so far. Each is automatically referred to a petition calling on Arts Minister Paul Fletcher to do more to support the people who make the entertainment that Australia loves. The...
- 5/14/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Do we want to see Australian drama, comedy and kids shows on screens in the coming years? With Minister Paul Fletcher and the Federal Government’s choices, Australian screen storytelling will pretty much disappear or be reduced to a shriveled novelty.
Right now in the UK and the Us people are using the Covid-19 production shutdown to power ahead with script development, ready to film as soon as it’s possible again. That can’t happen here if content quotas are dismantled and creative people are left reeling from months without financial support.
Our screen industry was already being squeezed by reduced funding and by the distorted economic shape that the streaming giants create for a country like ours. Things were already precarious. And now this.
The result of current policies will mean that for years and years after Covid, our screens will be flooded with overseas content – most of it American,...
Right now in the UK and the Us people are using the Covid-19 production shutdown to power ahead with script development, ready to film as soon as it’s possible again. That can’t happen here if content quotas are dismantled and creative people are left reeling from months without financial support.
Our screen industry was already being squeezed by reduced funding and by the distorted economic shape that the streaming giants create for a country like ours. Things were already precarious. And now this.
The result of current policies will mean that for years and years after Covid, our screens will be flooded with overseas content – most of it American,...
- 4/20/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Australia’s federal government on Wednesday unveiled a package of financial relief measures intended to help the film and television industries weather the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. The measures have a cash value of $57.7 million (A$91 million).
Free-to-air TV and radio channels are to receive $26 million (A$41 million) of benefits as the government waives the annual fee for using spectrum. Fta channels and subscription -TV drama channels will also not have to meet the national quotas which specify minimum amounts of Australian drama, children’s and documentary content to be broadcast in 2020, though they will still be expected to meet the overall 55% local content quota.
Additionally, the federal government will pay for up to $31.7 million (A$50 million) of public interest journalism delivered by commercial television, newspaper and radio businesses in regional Australia, through a Public Interest News Gathering (Ping) program. Of the total $8.50 million (A$13.4 million) is new money.
Free-to-air TV and radio channels are to receive $26 million (A$41 million) of benefits as the government waives the annual fee for using spectrum. Fta channels and subscription -TV drama channels will also not have to meet the national quotas which specify minimum amounts of Australian drama, children’s and documentary content to be broadcast in 2020, though they will still be expected to meet the overall 55% local content quota.
Additionally, the federal government will pay for up to $31.7 million (A$50 million) of public interest journalism delivered by commercial television, newspaper and radio businesses in regional Australia, through a Public Interest News Gathering (Ping) program. Of the total $8.50 million (A$13.4 million) is new money.
- 4/15/2020
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
The Australian government has suspended its local content quotas for broadcasters for the rest of 2020, with the option to extend through 2021. The move is in response to the shutdown of the country’s production sector due to the ongoing coronavirus disruption, as well as the significant downturn in network advertising revenues.
“Covid-19 has effectively halted production of Australian screen content, making it impossible for free-to-air and subscription television businesses to meet Australian content obligations,” said the government’s Minister for Communications Paul Fletcher in a statement.
“The media sector is sharing that pain, especially in regional areas. Broadcasters and newspapers face significant financial pressure and Covid-19 has led to a sharp downturn in advertising revenue across the whole sector.
“Covid-19 has effectively halted production of Australian screen content, making it impossible for free-to-air and subscription television businesses to meet Australian content obligations,” said the government’s Minister for Communications Paul Fletcher in a statement.
“The media sector is sharing that pain, especially in regional areas. Broadcasters and newspapers face significant financial pressure and Covid-19 has led to a sharp downturn in advertising revenue across the whole sector.
- 4/15/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts Paul Fletcher.
With the Federal Government having indicated its commitment to developing a ‘platform-neutral’ media framework, a paper by Screen Australia and the Acma has set out four potential models for how local screen content could be regulated and incentivised into the future.
The options paper, released today, comes off the back of the Accc’s Digital Platforms Inquiry. It is seen as a first step towards government determining future content obligations on free-to-air TV, and whether there should be local content requirements imposed on currently unregulated Svod services like Netflix and Stan.
The release of the paper coincides with government, as an emergency measure in response to Covid-19, suspending local drama, children’s and documentary content quotas for 2020 – given almost all production has halted.
In announcing both the relief measure and the paper, Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts...
With the Federal Government having indicated its commitment to developing a ‘platform-neutral’ media framework, a paper by Screen Australia and the Acma has set out four potential models for how local screen content could be regulated and incentivised into the future.
The options paper, released today, comes off the back of the Accc’s Digital Platforms Inquiry. It is seen as a first step towards government determining future content obligations on free-to-air TV, and whether there should be local content requirements imposed on currently unregulated Svod services like Netflix and Stan.
The release of the paper coincides with government, as an emergency measure in response to Covid-19, suspending local drama, children’s and documentary content quotas for 2020 – given almost all production has halted.
In announcing both the relief measure and the paper, Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts...
- 4/15/2020
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Paul Fletcher.
The commercial free-to-air networks and Foxtel are major beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s package of measures to help sustain Australian media businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Fta networks will get $41 million in tax relief via a 100 per refund of the broadcasting spectrum tax and will save money from the suspension of the local content quotas for drama, documentary and children’s programming until the end of this year.
Similarly, the government is waiving the rule obliging pay TV drama channels to spend at least 10 per cent of their revenues on local content for the rest of 2020.
Screen Producers Australia CEO Matt Deaner slammed the total suspension of the quotas as a “very blunt tool,” particularly given that animation and documentary programming could still have been commissioned, keeping people in jobs during the wider shut down.
“These hard cuts have the potential to at worst cripple Australia...
The commercial free-to-air networks and Foxtel are major beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s package of measures to help sustain Australian media businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Fta networks will get $41 million in tax relief via a 100 per refund of the broadcasting spectrum tax and will save money from the suspension of the local content quotas for drama, documentary and children’s programming until the end of this year.
Similarly, the government is waiving the rule obliging pay TV drama channels to spend at least 10 per cent of their revenues on local content for the rest of 2020.
Screen Producers Australia CEO Matt Deaner slammed the total suspension of the quotas as a “very blunt tool,” particularly given that animation and documentary programming could still have been commissioned, keeping people in jobs during the wider shut down.
“These hard cuts have the potential to at worst cripple Australia...
- 4/15/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Australian actors, producers, writers, directors and crew members have slammed the Federal Government’s decision to deny access to the JobKeeper wage subsidy to freelancers and other casual workers.
Meanwhile already stressed exhibitors are worried about having to cash flow payments to workers until they are reimbursed by the government, so some of their staff will miss out and have to claim the JobSeeker payment.
The legislation was passed by the Senate late last night after amendments by Labour and the Greens to provide a support package for the arts and entertainment sector, most of whose workers are ineligible, were defeated.
The Meaa said tens of thousands of freelance and casual performers and crew – and many of their employers – will not get the $1,500 per fortnight wage subsidy.
“Freelance employees and many loyal casuals will – without urgent changes to the JobKeeper rules, be at least $200 a week worse off. For those...
Meanwhile already stressed exhibitors are worried about having to cash flow payments to workers until they are reimbursed by the government, so some of their staff will miss out and have to claim the JobSeeker payment.
The legislation was passed by the Senate late last night after amendments by Labour and the Greens to provide a support package for the arts and entertainment sector, most of whose workers are ineligible, were defeated.
The Meaa said tens of thousands of freelance and casual performers and crew – and many of their employers – will not get the $1,500 per fortnight wage subsidy.
“Freelance employees and many loyal casuals will – without urgent changes to the JobKeeper rules, be at least $200 a week worse off. For those...
- 4/9/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
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