TV production up in 2007

The Australian Film Commission has released its annual findings on the state of the local industry, and it’s good news for local television.

This year there were 645 hours of TV dramas (50 programs) shot here compared with 597 hours (45 programs) last year.

The AFC says, “Expenditure in Australia also increased to $253 million, up on last year’s $205 million and above the five-year average of $217 million. The increase was due to Australian series/serials and mini-series, with activity for telemovies and children’s drama down slightly.”

In House Drama: 180 hours.
In-house drama activity by Australian free-to-air broadcasters increased this year to four titles (180 hours) – three produced by the Seven Network (All Saints, City Homicide and Home and Away) and one by the Nine Network (Canal Road). This compares with two in-house productions (156 hours) last year and four titles (209 hours) in 2004/05.”

Adult Series / Serials: 436 hours
There were several new series this year including Chandon Pictures, City Homicide, Dangerous, Satisfaction, Summer Heights High, and Kick. Series/serials that were renewed this year included Comedy Inc, McLeod’s Daughters, Pizza and The Wedge.

Mini Series: 64 hours
This year’s adult mini-series included one in-house production (Canal Road). Two mini-series (Sea Patrol and Underbelly) had durations of 13 hours. No mini-series were produced as co-productions.

Telemovies: 6 hours
Four Australian telemovies with total budgets of $13 million (six hours of programming) started production in 2006/07.

Childrens: 109 hours.
Five of this year’s local titles were animated (three last year) while all four co-productions were animated (the same number as last year).

2007 Titles

Source: Australian Film Commission