The games industry is among the early winners of next week’s Federal Budget, which will include a 30 per cent Digital Games Tax Offset.
Announced today as part of a $1.2 billion Digital Economy Strategy outlined by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the Minister for Superannuation, Financial Service and the Digital Economy, Jane Hume, the rebate is designed to support Australia “taking a greater share of the $250 billion global game development market”.
Eligible businesses will be required to incur a minimum of $500,000 per game on qualifying Australian games expenditure, while the maximum offset a game developer will be able to claim in each year is $20 million.
It comes seven years after the Australian Interactive Games Fund was terminated as a result of funding cuts to Screen Australia announced in the 2014 Budget.
The sector has since experienced widespread growth, both domestically and internationally, surpassing $4 billion in annual sales within Australia (Interactive Games...
Announced today as part of a $1.2 billion Digital Economy Strategy outlined by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the Minister for Superannuation, Financial Service and the Digital Economy, Jane Hume, the rebate is designed to support Australia “taking a greater share of the $250 billion global game development market”.
Eligible businesses will be required to incur a minimum of $500,000 per game on qualifying Australian games expenditure, while the maximum offset a game developer will be able to claim in each year is $20 million.
It comes seven years after the Australian Interactive Games Fund was terminated as a result of funding cuts to Screen Australia announced in the 2014 Budget.
The sector has since experienced widespread growth, both domestically and internationally, surpassing $4 billion in annual sales within Australia (Interactive Games...
- 5/6/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Clockwise from top right: Sue Maslin, Nick Murray, Jub Clerc and Daley Pearson.
When this writer re-joined If in 2017, Netflix had an estimated 2.8 million subscribers, Stan had about 800,000 customers and the highest-rating entertainment show, The Block finale, attracted 2.5 million viewers in the five mainland capitals.
Today the streaming giant has approximately 5.8 million subs, Stan has 2.2 million and, major sporting events aside, broadcasters can only dream about that kind of reach.
Tim Worner was CEO of Seven West Media, Michelle Guthrie was the ABC’s not widely admired MD, Michael Ebeid drove Sbs and Paul Anderson ran Network 10 – all gone.
Among the heads of the screen agencies were Screen Queensland’s Tracey Vieira, Create Nsw’s Michael Brealey, Film Victoria’s Jenni Tosi, the South Australian Film Corporation’s Annabelle Sheehan and Screenwest’s Ian Booth.
Mitch Fifield was the largely ineffectual Minister for Communications and the Arts, Chris Hilton steered Essential Media,...
When this writer re-joined If in 2017, Netflix had an estimated 2.8 million subscribers, Stan had about 800,000 customers and the highest-rating entertainment show, The Block finale, attracted 2.5 million viewers in the five mainland capitals.
Today the streaming giant has approximately 5.8 million subs, Stan has 2.2 million and, major sporting events aside, broadcasters can only dream about that kind of reach.
Tim Worner was CEO of Seven West Media, Michelle Guthrie was the ABC’s not widely admired MD, Michael Ebeid drove Sbs and Paul Anderson ran Network 10 – all gone.
Among the heads of the screen agencies were Screen Queensland’s Tracey Vieira, Create Nsw’s Michael Brealey, Film Victoria’s Jenni Tosi, the South Australian Film Corporation’s Annabelle Sheehan and Screenwest’s Ian Booth.
Mitch Fifield was the largely ineffectual Minister for Communications and the Arts, Chris Hilton steered Essential Media,...
- 10/29/2020
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
David Anderson.
The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted 70 productions which the ABC has commissioned from a total of 50 independent producers, according to MD David Anderson.
“I am worried about the creative sector in this crisis and what will happen on the other side,” Anderson said today. “It’s important to who we are in this country.”
In conversation with Screen Producers Australia CEO Matt Deaner, Anderson identified his other major concern as filling the ABC networks’ program schedules later this year and into 2021.
“We don’t want to rely on international acquisitions to either fill the schedule or make up the inventory sitting on our Svod service,” he said.
It’s clear the broadcaster is looking to partially make up the delivery shortfall with local programming as Anderson said he would announce deals later this week to re-license Australian content.
Last week ABC director of entertainment and specialist Michael Carrington unveiled...
The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted 70 productions which the ABC has commissioned from a total of 50 independent producers, according to MD David Anderson.
“I am worried about the creative sector in this crisis and what will happen on the other side,” Anderson said today. “It’s important to who we are in this country.”
In conversation with Screen Producers Australia CEO Matt Deaner, Anderson identified his other major concern as filling the ABC networks’ program schedules later this year and into 2021.
“We don’t want to rely on international acquisitions to either fill the schedule or make up the inventory sitting on our Svod service,” he said.
It’s clear the broadcaster is looking to partially make up the delivery shortfall with local programming as Anderson said he would announce deals later this week to re-license Australian content.
Last week ABC director of entertainment and specialist Michael Carrington unveiled...
- 4/27/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Minister Paul Fletcher addresses the Screen Forever conference.Â
While Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts Paul Fletcher is keeping mum as to whether the government plans to adjust the screen industry’s regulatory framework, in his address to the Screen Forever conference on Tuesday he emphasised government has a role to play in supporting the industry to capture global opportunities.
“Your sector is undergoing profound change – but it is a change which brings exciting new opportunities to supply content into a voracious global market,â€. the Minister told delegates.
“It important that our regulatory and funding arrangements work to support your sector to capture these opportunities.â€.
The Screen Forever keynote marked Fletcher’s most significant public address to the screen production sector since starting in the industry portfolio in May.
The minister noted in his speech the immense industry upheaval brought on by new digital players like Netflix and Amazon,...
While Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts Paul Fletcher is keeping mum as to whether the government plans to adjust the screen industry’s regulatory framework, in his address to the Screen Forever conference on Tuesday he emphasised government has a role to play in supporting the industry to capture global opportunities.
“Your sector is undergoing profound change – but it is a change which brings exciting new opportunities to supply content into a voracious global market,â€. the Minister told delegates.
“It important that our regulatory and funding arrangements work to support your sector to capture these opportunities.â€.
The Screen Forever keynote marked Fletcher’s most significant public address to the screen production sector since starting in the industry portfolio in May.
The minister noted in his speech the immense industry upheaval brought on by new digital players like Netflix and Amazon,...
- 11/13/2019
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Shang-Chi.
Simu Liu will play the title character in Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, the first Asian lead in a Marvel superhero movie.
Tony Leung and Crazy Rich Asians’ Awkwafina will also star in the film reportedly budgeted at nearly $300 million, which is expected to shoot in Sydney thanks to a $24 million grant from the Federal Government’s Location Incentive Program.
The then Arts Minister Mitch Fifield said the production will spend more than $150 million in Australia, create 4,700 Australian jobs and use the services of about 1,200 local businesses.
It will be directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, whose breakout movie was 2013’s Short Term 12, which starred Brie Larson as a woman working in a group home for teenagers.
Liu said on social media: “There is so much at stake here; we are fighting for our identity, for our right to be seen, to belong.”
Marvel...
Simu Liu will play the title character in Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, the first Asian lead in a Marvel superhero movie.
Tony Leung and Crazy Rich Asians’ Awkwafina will also star in the film reportedly budgeted at nearly $300 million, which is expected to shoot in Sydney thanks to a $24 million grant from the Federal Government’s Location Incentive Program.
The then Arts Minister Mitch Fifield said the production will spend more than $150 million in Australia, create 4,700 Australian jobs and use the services of about 1,200 local businesses.
It will be directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, whose breakout movie was 2013’s Short Term 12, which starred Brie Larson as a woman working in a group home for teenagers.
Liu said on social media: “There is so much at stake here; we are fighting for our identity, for our right to be seen, to belong.”
Marvel...
- 7/21/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Paul Fletcher and Scott Morrison.
The screen sector is hoping the appointment of Paul Fletcher as Minister for Communications and the Arts will signal an end to government policy paralysis towards the industry.
The director of corporate and regulatory affairs at Optus before he entered Parliament in 2009, Fletcher takes over from Senator Mitch Fifield, who is being appointed Australia’s Ambassador to the United Nations.
The industry has welcomed Fletcher’s appointment. “Paul Fletcher is a great choice for the Communications portfolio. He is smart, pragmatic and has a deep understanding of our industry,” a spokesperson for Network 10 said.
“Paul is definitely the right person to be dealing with the big and complex issues that need to be sorted in this area.”
Australian Children’s Television Foundaation CEO Jenny Buckland tells If: “I think Paul Fletcher’s a great choice – he has experience in the portfolio from his Parliamentary...
The screen sector is hoping the appointment of Paul Fletcher as Minister for Communications and the Arts will signal an end to government policy paralysis towards the industry.
The director of corporate and regulatory affairs at Optus before he entered Parliament in 2009, Fletcher takes over from Senator Mitch Fifield, who is being appointed Australia’s Ambassador to the United Nations.
The industry has welcomed Fletcher’s appointment. “Paul Fletcher is a great choice for the Communications portfolio. He is smart, pragmatic and has a deep understanding of our industry,” a spokesperson for Network 10 said.
“Paul is definitely the right person to be dealing with the big and complex issues that need to be sorted in this area.”
Australian Children’s Television Foundaation CEO Jenny Buckland tells If: “I think Paul Fletcher’s a great choice – he has experience in the portfolio from his Parliamentary...
- 5/26/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Stan’s ‘Bloom’.
The Federal Government today confirmed that Australian shows commissioned by Netflix, Stan and other streaming services and produced in Australia will qualify immediately for the Post, Digital and Visual Effects (Pdv) and Location Offsets.
Communications Minister Mitch Fifield told The Australian the changes would “ensure our industry is able to capitalise on more opportunities and will attract further inbound investment in Australian screen production.”
There was no follow-up announcement today because Scott Morrison this morning called an election on May 18 so the government went into caretaker mode at 8.29 am.
The screen industry might have assumed the extension would not implemented but a spokesperson for Fifield tells If that as the decision was made yesterday, the measure took effect today.
Fifield told The Oz: “Large-budget productions strengthen Australia’s capacity to produce high-quality stories for Australian and international audiences by providing skills development and training opportunities that...
The Federal Government today confirmed that Australian shows commissioned by Netflix, Stan and other streaming services and produced in Australia will qualify immediately for the Post, Digital and Visual Effects (Pdv) and Location Offsets.
Communications Minister Mitch Fifield told The Australian the changes would “ensure our industry is able to capitalise on more opportunities and will attract further inbound investment in Australian screen production.”
There was no follow-up announcement today because Scott Morrison this morning called an election on May 18 so the government went into caretaker mode at 8.29 am.
The screen industry might have assumed the extension would not implemented but a spokesperson for Fifield tells If that as the decision was made yesterday, the measure took effect today.
Fifield told The Oz: “Large-budget productions strengthen Australia’s capacity to produce high-quality stories for Australian and international audiences by providing skills development and training opportunities that...
- 4/11/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Australia’s federal government is to provide a $17.1 million (A$24 million) subsidy to Disney to shoot a currently untitled Marvel movie at Fox Studios Australia. Disney took ownership of the Sydney studios last month as part of its acquisition of 21st Century Fox.
Australia also offers location incentive schemes, known as offsets, that are directly linked to the amount of production spending in the country. The film will also be able to claim the 16.5% location offset. “The Australian government’s location incentive increases the existing location offset rate from 16.5% to 30% for eligible large budget international productions that are successful through the application process,” according to Federal Minister for Communications and the Arts, Mitch Fifield and the New South Wales state government’s Minister for the Arts, Don Harwin.
Harwin said that the film will additionally be able to tap into the $7.1 million (A$10 million) per year Made in Nsw fund...
Australia also offers location incentive schemes, known as offsets, that are directly linked to the amount of production spending in the country. The film will also be able to claim the 16.5% location offset. “The Australian government’s location incentive increases the existing location offset rate from 16.5% to 30% for eligible large budget international productions that are successful through the application process,” according to Federal Minister for Communications and the Arts, Mitch Fifield and the New South Wales state government’s Minister for the Arts, Don Harwin.
Harwin said that the film will additionally be able to tap into the $7.1 million (A$10 million) per year Made in Nsw fund...
- 4/6/2019
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Destin Daniel Cretton and Shang-Chi (Photo credit: Marvel Studios).
The Federal Government is handing Disney’s Marvel Studios $24 million to secure a big-budgeted superhero movie that will shoot at Fox Studios and on locations in Australia.
The film is understood to be Shang-Chi, based on a Marvel comics character known for his martial arts prowess and will be the first Marvel movie with an Asian lead.
Due to start shooting at the end of May, the production reportedly budgeted at nearly $300 million will be directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, whose breakout movie was 2013’s Short Term 12, which starred Brie Larson as a woman working in a group home for teenagers.
Cretton is now directing Michael B. Jordan in Just Mercy, a Warner Bros. drama based on the memoir of Equal Justice Initiative founder Bryan Stevenson, who fights on behalf of the wrongly condemned and death-row prisoners trapped in the criminal justice system.
The Federal Government is handing Disney’s Marvel Studios $24 million to secure a big-budgeted superhero movie that will shoot at Fox Studios and on locations in Australia.
The film is understood to be Shang-Chi, based on a Marvel comics character known for his martial arts prowess and will be the first Marvel movie with an Asian lead.
Due to start shooting at the end of May, the production reportedly budgeted at nearly $300 million will be directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, whose breakout movie was 2013’s Short Term 12, which starred Brie Larson as a woman working in a group home for teenagers.
Cretton is now directing Michael B. Jordan in Just Mercy, a Warner Bros. drama based on the memoir of Equal Justice Initiative founder Bryan Stevenson, who fights on behalf of the wrongly condemned and death-row prisoners trapped in the criminal justice system.
- 4/4/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
The federal budget offers no extra support for the screen sector over the next three years apart from modest increases in funding for ABC news and for Sbs programming.
The ABC’s acting MD David Anderson today warned there will be “tough decisions” on staffing and services due to the impact of the three-year funding freeze of $83.7 million which was flagged in last year’s budget.
That is on top of $254 million in efficiency cuts which the broadcaster has had to absorb over the five past years.
In the budget the government ignored the industry’s call to impose a local content quota of 10 per cent on streaming services, which would have been universally welcomed except by Netflix, Stan and other Svod services.
There was no change in funding for Screen Australia, the National Film and Sound Archive and the Australian Film Television and Radio School.
Clearly there is no...
The ABC’s acting MD David Anderson today warned there will be “tough decisions” on staffing and services due to the impact of the three-year funding freeze of $83.7 million which was flagged in last year’s budget.
That is on top of $254 million in efficiency cuts which the broadcaster has had to absorb over the five past years.
In the budget the government ignored the industry’s call to impose a local content quota of 10 per cent on streaming services, which would have been universally welcomed except by Netflix, Stan and other Svod services.
There was no change in funding for Screen Australia, the National Film and Sound Archive and the Australian Film Television and Radio School.
Clearly there is no...
- 4/2/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Senator Sarah Hanson-Young.
Labor has attacked the federal government for five and a half years of inaction over screen sector reforms while the Australian Greens have advocated a suite of measures to support the industry.
The Greens urged the government to impose a local content quota of at least 10 per cent on streaming services, harmonise the Producer Offset at 40 per cent and raise the Location Offset to 30 per cent.
The removal of the 65-hour cap for the Producer Offset, closing the New Zealand content ‘loophole,’ maintaining the existing content quota system and establishing terms of trade between broadcasters and producers were among the Greens’ proposals – all policies advocated by Screen Producers Australia.
Labor Senators accused the government of failing to articulate an agenda or vision for the Australian screen and music sectors and of cutting funding for public broadcasting by about $500 million.
They called on the government to ensure appropriate...
Labor has attacked the federal government for five and a half years of inaction over screen sector reforms while the Australian Greens have advocated a suite of measures to support the industry.
The Greens urged the government to impose a local content quota of at least 10 per cent on streaming services, harmonise the Producer Offset at 40 per cent and raise the Location Offset to 30 per cent.
The removal of the 65-hour cap for the Producer Offset, closing the New Zealand content ‘loophole,’ maintaining the existing content quota system and establishing terms of trade between broadcasters and producers were among the Greens’ proposals – all policies advocated by Screen Producers Australia.
Labor Senators accused the government of failing to articulate an agenda or vision for the Australian screen and music sectors and of cutting funding for public broadcasting by about $500 million.
They called on the government to ensure appropriate...
- 3/26/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Ita Buttrose.
Publishing and media doyenne Ita Buttrose has been confirmed as the new chair of the ABC.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced today that the government will recommend Buttrose’s appointment to the Governor-General.
Buttrose is the founder of Cleo magazine, and a former editor-in-chief of The Australian Women’s Weekly, The Daily Telegraph, Sunday Telegraph and The Sun-Herald. Over her career, she has worked for all of the commercial broadcasters, and also served on the board of a variety of organisations, including News Ltd.
The former Australian of the Year will be the second woman to hold the role of ABC chair in the broadcaster’s 87 year history – the other being Leonie Kramer in the early 1980s.
Morrison said Buttrose was an “outstanding candidate”. “Ita is an extraordinary Australian who will bring decades of media and management experience to the ABC. I can think of no-one better to lead the national broadcaster.
Publishing and media doyenne Ita Buttrose has been confirmed as the new chair of the ABC.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced today that the government will recommend Buttrose’s appointment to the Governor-General.
Buttrose is the founder of Cleo magazine, and a former editor-in-chief of The Australian Women’s Weekly, The Daily Telegraph, Sunday Telegraph and The Sun-Herald. Over her career, she has worked for all of the commercial broadcasters, and also served on the board of a variety of organisations, including News Ltd.
The former Australian of the Year will be the second woman to hold the role of ABC chair in the broadcaster’s 87 year history – the other being Leonie Kramer in the early 1980s.
Morrison said Buttrose was an “outstanding candidate”. “Ita is an extraordinary Australian who will bring decades of media and management experience to the ABC. I can think of no-one better to lead the national broadcaster.
- 2/28/2019
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Aftrs CEO Neil Peplow.
Australian Film Television and Radio School (Aftrs) CEO Neil Peplow will depart his post later this year to return to the UK with his family.
Aftrs chair Russel Howcroft announced Peplow’s resignation today, with the search for a new CEO to begin immediately. Peplow will leave the school mid-year.
“Under Neil’s stewardship, Aftrs has become internationally renowned as a centre of creative excellence and one which, at a time of unprecedented change and opportunity in our industry, is incredibly forward thinking in its approach to screen education. I respect Neil enormously and applaud the work he has done at Aftrs over the past three and a half years. His energy, ideas and dynamism have set the school on an excellent path for the future,” said Howcroft.
“I would also like to acknowledge Neil’s work for the broader screen industry, particularly in the areas of diversity and innovation.
Australian Film Television and Radio School (Aftrs) CEO Neil Peplow will depart his post later this year to return to the UK with his family.
Aftrs chair Russel Howcroft announced Peplow’s resignation today, with the search for a new CEO to begin immediately. Peplow will leave the school mid-year.
“Under Neil’s stewardship, Aftrs has become internationally renowned as a centre of creative excellence and one which, at a time of unprecedented change and opportunity in our industry, is incredibly forward thinking in its approach to screen education. I respect Neil enormously and applaud the work he has done at Aftrs over the past three and a half years. His energy, ideas and dynamism have set the school on an excellent path for the future,” said Howcroft.
“I would also like to acknowledge Neil’s work for the broader screen industry, particularly in the areas of diversity and innovation.
- 2/12/2019
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Dylan O’Brien (Photo credit: Marc Piasecki/WireImage)
Dylan O’Brien will star in Monster Problems, a Paramount Pictures’ post-apocalyptic thriller/romance which will shoot in Queensland.
The production will receive $7.7 million from the federal government’s four-year, $140 million Location Incentive Program and will be the first to use the new $12 million Screen Queensland Studios in the Brisbane bayside suburb of Hemmant.
Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps will produce the film directed by South African Michael Matthews, who made his debut with Five Fingers for Marseilles, a Western about a young lion who kills two corrupt policemen in a South African shanty town.
Matt Robinson rewrote the script by Brian Duffield, described as a coming-of-age tale about a young man in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by monsters. He must overcome the monsters to be with the girl of his dreams.
Minister for Communications and the Arts Mitch Fifield said the production...
Dylan O’Brien will star in Monster Problems, a Paramount Pictures’ post-apocalyptic thriller/romance which will shoot in Queensland.
The production will receive $7.7 million from the federal government’s four-year, $140 million Location Incentive Program and will be the first to use the new $12 million Screen Queensland Studios in the Brisbane bayside suburb of Hemmant.
Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps will produce the film directed by South African Michael Matthews, who made his debut with Five Fingers for Marseilles, a Western about a young lion who kills two corrupt policemen in a South African shanty town.
Matt Robinson rewrote the script by Brian Duffield, described as a coming-of-age tale about a young man in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by monsters. He must overcome the monsters to be with the girl of his dreams.
Minister for Communications and the Arts Mitch Fifield said the production...
- 2/10/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Justin Milne.
ABC chairman Justin Milne has resigned following mounting public and internal pressure.
On Monday, ABC managing director Michelle Guthrie was sacked by the ABC’s board, who stated it had decided it was not in the public broadcaster’s best interest that she continue to lead the organisation. David Anderson, director, entertainment and specialist, was appointed acting MD, while Guthrie announced she would consider legal options.
In the days since, Fairfax Media reported that Milne – a friend of former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull who was appointed chairman last year – had pressured Guthrie to “get rid of” ABC senior journalist Emma Alberci because she was disliked by the Federal Government.
The news of this prompted ABC staff in Sydney and Melbourne hold meetings in which they voted for Milne’s resignation, and staff in Brisbane called on the chairman to publicly acknowledge if the reports were true, and if so to resign.
ABC chairman Justin Milne has resigned following mounting public and internal pressure.
On Monday, ABC managing director Michelle Guthrie was sacked by the ABC’s board, who stated it had decided it was not in the public broadcaster’s best interest that she continue to lead the organisation. David Anderson, director, entertainment and specialist, was appointed acting MD, while Guthrie announced she would consider legal options.
In the days since, Fairfax Media reported that Milne – a friend of former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull who was appointed chairman last year – had pressured Guthrie to “get rid of” ABC senior journalist Emma Alberci because she was disliked by the Federal Government.
The news of this prompted ABC staff in Sydney and Melbourne hold meetings in which they voted for Milne’s resignation, and staff in Brisbane called on the chairman to publicly acknowledge if the reports were true, and if so to resign.
- 9/27/2018
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Michelle Guthrie.
In a shock move the ABC today sacked managing director Michelle Guthrie after the directors decided it was not in the public broadcaster’s best interests for her to continue to lead the organisation.
The former Google Asia-Pacific, Foxtel, BSkyB and Star TV executive was half way through her five-year term. Chairman Justin Milne said the Board believed after discussions over several months that new leadership would benefit the organisation, its employees and the ABC’s audiences.
David Anderson, currently director, entertainment and specialist, will serve as acting MD until a new appointment is made in the coming months.
In response, Guthrie said she is devastated by the Board’s decision to terminate her employment “despite no claim of wrongdoing on my part.” She said there is no justification for the Board to trigger the termination cause and she is considering her legal options.
During her tenure she...
In a shock move the ABC today sacked managing director Michelle Guthrie after the directors decided it was not in the public broadcaster’s best interests for her to continue to lead the organisation.
The former Google Asia-Pacific, Foxtel, BSkyB and Star TV executive was half way through her five-year term. Chairman Justin Milne said the Board believed after discussions over several months that new leadership would benefit the organisation, its employees and the ABC’s audiences.
David Anderson, currently director, entertainment and specialist, will serve as acting MD until a new appointment is made in the coming months.
In response, Guthrie said she is devastated by the Board’s decision to terminate her employment “despite no claim of wrongdoing on my part.” She said there is no justification for the Board to trigger the termination cause and she is considering her legal options.
During her tenure she...
- 9/24/2018
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Gillian Armstrong, Peter Weir, Rose Byrne and Richard Roxburgh among 215 people who have put names to appeal
Cate Blanchett, Gillian Armstrong, Peter Weir, Rose Byrne, Phillip Noyce and Richard Roxburgh are among 215 Australians working in film and television who have signed an open letter calling on the government to protect the country’s screen industry.
Fearing another cuts-heavy federal budget for Australian screen content and its creators, the letter is the latest move from the Make it Australian campaign: an alliance of the Australian Directors’ Guild, the Australian Writers’ Guild, the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance and Screen Producers Australia, which have been lobbying the arts minister, Mitch Fifield, since September.
Cate Blanchett, Gillian Armstrong, Peter Weir, Rose Byrne, Phillip Noyce and Richard Roxburgh are among 215 Australians working in film and television who have signed an open letter calling on the government to protect the country’s screen industry.
Fearing another cuts-heavy federal budget for Australian screen content and its creators, the letter is the latest move from the Make it Australian campaign: an alliance of the Australian Directors’ Guild, the Australian Writers’ Guild, the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance and Screen Producers Australia, which have been lobbying the arts minister, Mitch Fifield, since September.
- 3/26/2018
- by Steph Harmon
- The Guardian - Film News
With two parallel yet overlapping inquiries under way into the Australian screen sector, what can the industry realistically hope will be the outcome?
Perhaps a requirement on Netflix, Stan and other streaming services to screen a specified amount of local content? .The long-sought raising of the location and TV producer offsets, despite the entrenched opposition of Treasury?.
Could a plan emerge to replace the local content quotas with a more flexible regime which does not threaten the current levels of children.s, drama and documentary production?
Or might both inquiries amount to a waste of time and effort whose reports will gather dust on a shelf, the fate of the 2012 Convergence Review commissioned by the Labor government, as some industry pessimists fear?.
Communications and Arts Minister Mitch Fifield has said the content review being jointly conducted by the Department of Communications and the Arts, Screen Australia and Acma will aim...
Perhaps a requirement on Netflix, Stan and other streaming services to screen a specified amount of local content? .The long-sought raising of the location and TV producer offsets, despite the entrenched opposition of Treasury?.
Could a plan emerge to replace the local content quotas with a more flexible regime which does not threaten the current levels of children.s, drama and documentary production?
Or might both inquiries amount to a waste of time and effort whose reports will gather dust on a shelf, the fate of the 2012 Convergence Review commissioned by the Labor government, as some industry pessimists fear?.
Communications and Arts Minister Mitch Fifield has said the content review being jointly conducted by the Department of Communications and the Arts, Screen Australia and Acma will aim...
- 6/8/2017
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Minister for Communications and the Arts Mitch Fifield opening the Acma Australian Content Conversation conference..
Minister for Communications and the Arts Mitch Fifield has indicated a strong desire for the government.s review into Australian and children.s content to be industry-led..
.What we want is your views,. the Senator told the Acma Content Conversation conference this week.
.Dare I say it, the answers seldom come from government, or right answers seldom come from government when you are looking at policy settings. I have found in this portfolio and also in my previous portfolio, disability and aged care, that the answers come from the sector itself..
The government.s content review was announced as part of its media reform package earlier this month, and will be jointly conducted by the Department of Communications and the Arts, Screen Australia and Acma..
Fifield said their objective is to hand down a report...
Minister for Communications and the Arts Mitch Fifield has indicated a strong desire for the government.s review into Australian and children.s content to be industry-led..
.What we want is your views,. the Senator told the Acma Content Conversation conference this week.
.Dare I say it, the answers seldom come from government, or right answers seldom come from government when you are looking at policy settings. I have found in this portfolio and also in my previous portfolio, disability and aged care, that the answers come from the sector itself..
The government.s content review was announced as part of its media reform package earlier this month, and will be jointly conducted by the Department of Communications and the Arts, Screen Australia and Acma..
Fifield said their objective is to hand down a report...
- 5/19/2017
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Last Wednesday, the Federal Government introduced the Copyright Amendment (Disability Access and Other Measures) Bill 2017 into parliament.
The government has argued that the bill would simplify the copyright framework for the disability, education, library and archive sectors while still respecting the interests of copyright holders.
In a statement, Minister for Communications and the Arts Mitch Fifield said the bill was an .important next step. in the government.s plan to work collaboratively with stakeholders to modernise copyright law..
Among the bill.s measures is a flexible exception for use by disability organisations, as well as a fair dealing provision for people with a disability. Fifield said the changes, which implement Australia's obligations under the Marrakesh Treaty, would enable people with a disability to have fair access to copyright material in formats suitable to their individual needs.
The bill also includes measures that the Minister said would make it easier for...
The government has argued that the bill would simplify the copyright framework for the disability, education, library and archive sectors while still respecting the interests of copyright holders.
In a statement, Minister for Communications and the Arts Mitch Fifield said the bill was an .important next step. in the government.s plan to work collaboratively with stakeholders to modernise copyright law..
Among the bill.s measures is a flexible exception for use by disability organisations, as well as a fair dealing provision for people with a disability. Fifield said the changes, which implement Australia's obligations under the Marrakesh Treaty, would enable people with a disability to have fair access to copyright material in formats suitable to their individual needs.
The bill also includes measures that the Minister said would make it easier for...
- 3/24/2017
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Joanna Werner..
The Federal Government has made three new appointments to the Screen Australia board, including PricewaterhouseCoopers. Megan Brownlow as deputy chair.
Brownlow, who has worked in media and marketing for 20 years, is the editor of PwC.s annual publication The Australian Entertainment & Media Outlook.
She.s joined on the board by producer Joanna Werner (Dance Academy, Secret City) and financial services lawyer at Vanguard Investment Australia, Jenny Taing. Each will serve a three year term.
In a statement, Minister for Arts and Communications Mitch Fifield[/link] said Brownlow.s experience as a media and entertainment industry advisor would add a strong commercial element to the board.
He also said Werner.s experience in children.s content would be invaluable, and Taing.s regulatory and governance work across different sectors would bring a high level of expertise to the board.
Other members of the Screen Australia board include Nicholas Moore (chair), Al Clark,...
The Federal Government has made three new appointments to the Screen Australia board, including PricewaterhouseCoopers. Megan Brownlow as deputy chair.
Brownlow, who has worked in media and marketing for 20 years, is the editor of PwC.s annual publication The Australian Entertainment & Media Outlook.
She.s joined on the board by producer Joanna Werner (Dance Academy, Secret City) and financial services lawyer at Vanguard Investment Australia, Jenny Taing. Each will serve a three year term.
In a statement, Minister for Arts and Communications Mitch Fifield[/link] said Brownlow.s experience as a media and entertainment industry advisor would add a strong commercial element to the board.
He also said Werner.s experience in children.s content would be invaluable, and Taing.s regulatory and governance work across different sectors would bring a high level of expertise to the board.
Other members of the Screen Australia board include Nicholas Moore (chair), Al Clark,...
- 3/20/2017
- by Inside Film Correspondent
- IF.com.au
Bulent Hass Dellal..
The Federal Government has officially appointed Dr Bulent Hass Dellal as the chairman of Sbs, where he will serve for just over three years.
Dellal has been Sbs acting chair since last year, following the sudden resignation of Nihal Gupta. He first joined the board in 2010, and was appointed to debuty chair in 2011..
Minister for Communications Mitch Fifield congratulated Dellal on his appointment, citing his extensive experience in multicultural affairs..
Dellal is the executive director of the Australian Multicultural Foundation, a role in which he has served for almost 30 years.
He is also the chairman of several other multicultural organisations, including the Centre for Multicultural Youth; the National Centre of Excellence for Islamic Studies Consultative Committee at Melbourne University; the Chairman of the Islamic Museum of Australia, and is on the Australian Multicultural Advisory Council.
Dellal was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1997 for service to multicultural organisations,...
The Federal Government has officially appointed Dr Bulent Hass Dellal as the chairman of Sbs, where he will serve for just over three years.
Dellal has been Sbs acting chair since last year, following the sudden resignation of Nihal Gupta. He first joined the board in 2010, and was appointed to debuty chair in 2011..
Minister for Communications Mitch Fifield congratulated Dellal on his appointment, citing his extensive experience in multicultural affairs..
Dellal is the executive director of the Australian Multicultural Foundation, a role in which he has served for almost 30 years.
He is also the chairman of several other multicultural organisations, including the Centre for Multicultural Youth; the National Centre of Excellence for Islamic Studies Consultative Committee at Melbourne University; the Chairman of the Islamic Museum of Australia, and is on the Australian Multicultural Advisory Council.
Dellal was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1997 for service to multicultural organisations,...
- 2/13/2017
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Crocodile Dundee (Source: Screen Australia).
The screen industry contributes around $3 billion to the economy annually and creates over 25,000 full time equivalent jobs, according to a new report commissioned by Screen Australia.
Launching the report at the Screen Forever conference on Tuesday, Minister for the Arts Mitch Fifield described it as the first full measure of the economic and cultural value of the screen sector..
"But it has struck me that the value of our screen stories can be viewed from a different angle, and that is: what if we didn't have them," he said.
"Would Anzac Day have revived and would our diggers be as well understood without the force of Peter Weir's Gallipoli? How would we view our shared past, present and future without the perspectives brought to us by First Australians, That Sugar Film or Howard On Menzies? How would our children view the world without the...
The screen industry contributes around $3 billion to the economy annually and creates over 25,000 full time equivalent jobs, according to a new report commissioned by Screen Australia.
Launching the report at the Screen Forever conference on Tuesday, Minister for the Arts Mitch Fifield described it as the first full measure of the economic and cultural value of the screen sector..
"But it has struck me that the value of our screen stories can be viewed from a different angle, and that is: what if we didn't have them," he said.
"Would Anzac Day have revived and would our diggers be as well understood without the force of Peter Weir's Gallipoli? How would we view our shared past, present and future without the perspectives brought to us by First Australians, That Sugar Film or Howard On Menzies? How would our children view the world without the...
- 11/16/2016
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Mel Gibson and prime minister Malcolm Turbull have joined a star-studded guest list for the opening of The National Institute of Dramatic Art's new Graduate School.
Gibson and Turnbull walked the red carpted with arts minister, Mitch Fifield, .Nida director/chief executive, Lynne Williams, Nida chair Jennifer Bott and Nida Foundation Trust chair, Peter Ivany, to officially open the building.
Hacksaw Ridge star Theresa Palmer and husband Mark Webber joined Nida alumni including Kurt Phelan (Dirty Dancing Musical), Harry Greenwood (Hacksaw Ridge), Sacha Horler (The Dressmaker), Greg McLean (Wolf Creek) and Kip Williams (Sydney Theatre Company) were also along to celebrate the opening.
Guests were welcomed into an exhibition of work by current Nida students and entertained by alumni from across the years.
The new school is housed in a two-storey addition to the campus.
It provides a dedicated space for the institute.s growing suite of Master of Fine Arts courses.
Gibson and Turnbull walked the red carpted with arts minister, Mitch Fifield, .Nida director/chief executive, Lynne Williams, Nida chair Jennifer Bott and Nida Foundation Trust chair, Peter Ivany, to officially open the building.
Hacksaw Ridge star Theresa Palmer and husband Mark Webber joined Nida alumni including Kurt Phelan (Dirty Dancing Musical), Harry Greenwood (Hacksaw Ridge), Sacha Horler (The Dressmaker), Greg McLean (Wolf Creek) and Kip Williams (Sydney Theatre Company) were also along to celebrate the opening.
Guests were welcomed into an exhibition of work by current Nida students and entertained by alumni from across the years.
The new school is housed in a two-storey addition to the campus.
It provides a dedicated space for the institute.s growing suite of Master of Fine Arts courses.
- 12/7/2015
- by Inside Film Correspondent
- IF.com.au
Communications Minister, Mitch Fifield, and Shadow arts minister, Mark Dreyfus, have been confirmed to speak at this year's Screen Forever Conference..
The two politicians will speak at the annual conference event for the Australian screen industry on Wednesday November 18 at Crown Conference Centre, Melbourne.
Screen Producers Australia chief executive, Matthew Deaner said it was a rare opportunity, ahead of next year.s federal election, to be able to hear from two of the most important policymakers for the industry..
"Screen Forever is a vital platform for the industry to debate and discuss the issues with hundreds of businesses able to hear directly from minister Fifield and Shadow Minister Dreyfus about their priorities and policies affecting screen production,. he said.
.In particular, this marks the first address to the screen industry by Minister Fifield since his appointment to the communications and arts portfolio..
"This level of engagement reflects the strong relationship...
The two politicians will speak at the annual conference event for the Australian screen industry on Wednesday November 18 at Crown Conference Centre, Melbourne.
Screen Producers Australia chief executive, Matthew Deaner said it was a rare opportunity, ahead of next year.s federal election, to be able to hear from two of the most important policymakers for the industry..
"Screen Forever is a vital platform for the industry to debate and discuss the issues with hundreds of businesses able to hear directly from minister Fifield and Shadow Minister Dreyfus about their priorities and policies affecting screen production,. he said.
.In particular, this marks the first address to the screen industry by Minister Fifield since his appointment to the communications and arts portfolio..
"This level of engagement reflects the strong relationship...
- 11/5/2015
- by Inside Film Correspondent
- IF.com.au
On the heels of confirmation that Thor: Ragnarok will see actor Mark Ruffalo Hulk-out once again, we now know where else the God of Thunder and the Jade Giant will be teaming up once filming gets underway later next year. It was previously reported that Disney was considering Australia for production on the 2017 Marvel threequel, but now Hemsworth himself, as well as the Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, have confirmed that Ragnarok will be filmed in the Aussie actor's homeland. "I wanted to say a huge thank you to the federal government, particularly the Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Minister for the Arts Mitch Fifield for making it possible for Thor: Ragnarok to shoot here in Australia," Chris Hemsworth said. "I'm incredibly excited to be coming back home to work. [...] I look forward to introducing my Marvel friends to this beautiful country of ours." When it was initially reported that Marvel...
- 10/22/2015
- ComicBookMovie.com
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