Film funding top up welcome, but permanent solution still needed
An additional $140 million in funding to attract major offshore screen productions to Australia will create new opportunities for cast and crew, but is not a long-term solution, says the union for performers and crew.
The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance welcomes news that the four year boost to funding will be included in next week’s federal Budget.
“This will provide certainty for the next four years and bring much-needed work to Australia,” said MEAA chief executive officer Paul Murphy.
“Despite hosting world-class talent, infrastructure and locations, Australia has been missing out on major productions by the Hollywood studios because the financial incentives offered are no longer globally competitive.
“Where productions have come here, it has only been through last minute funding top ups on an ad hoc basis.
“This additional funding is the result of sustained campaigning over the past 12 months by the screen industry and we are pleased that the government has heard the message about how important this industry is to our cultural and economic future.
“But welcome as this funding is, what happens at the end of four years? Will we face the same drought of overseas productions again?
“The only sustainable long-term solution is a permanent increase in the location offset from its current 16.5% to 30%.
“This extra funding has provided a four-year breathing space, but we will continue to urge the federal government to lift the offset to 30%.”
Film funding top up welcome, but permanent solution still needed
Last update: May 4, 2018
