Local quota uncertainty hurting production
Without quotas confirmed for 2021 businesses in the production sector will suffer, says Small Business Ombudsman
- Published by David Knox
- on
- Filed under Coronavirus, News
Thousands of small businesses in the screen production industry could be left on the cutting room floor, if Australian content quotas are not reinstated.
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell says the emergency quota suspension introduced in response to the COVID-19 crisis has taken a heavy toll on the screen production industry, 86% of which are small businesses.
Screen Producers Australia has been calling on the Federal Government to provide certainty to the struggling industry by confirming sub-quotas for 2021. But networks are pushing for them to be overhauled as part of ‘de-regulation.’
“As it stands, Australian broadcasters are under no obligation to produce new, locally made content until the end of this year at the earliest,” Carnell said.
“This is hurting thousands of small production companies that would ordinarily be creating Australia’s best drama, documentaries and children’s content.
“We know that many of these small production companies are ready to return to work, but there are limited projects in the pipeline due to the uncertainty over how long this quota suspension will remain in place.
“It’s very difficult to attract investment under these circumstances, which could ultimately drive many of these small businesses to the brink.
“That’s devastating for the small businesses involved and the entire production industry.
“It also has significant ramifications for our culture and the telling of Australian stories. What would we do without Bluey or iconic Australian films such as Crocodile Dundee or Top End Wedding?”
A recent Deloitte Access Economics estimates the Australian film and television industries directly contribute $5.8 billion to the economy and about 46,000 full times jobs.
“The industry needs a clear commitment that the quota suspension period will not be extended beyond 2020. The government should also ensure mandatory Australian-made quotas apply to all other streaming services,” she continued.
“While the government has invested in attracting foreign productions to our shores, much more could be done to directly foster the Australian screen production industry.”
3 Responses
So that’s 0.33% of the workforce, many of whom are currently stood down because there is nothing productive for them to be doing at the moment anyway with Victoria in level 4 lockdown.
Yes, sub-quotas need to return if local production will stand on any feet in the future…come on Paul Fletcher!
“While the government has invested in attracting foreign productions to our shores, much more could be done to directly foster the Australian screen production industry.”-It does astound me that there are incentives offered to attract over seas production but little for domestic workers. And this is an ongoing issue in many sectors in Australia!