Victoria unveils new screen strategy
$120.7m boost to bring more jobs in film, television & digital games to Victoria.
- Published by David Knox
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- Filed under News, Top Stories
Victoria has announced VICSCREEN, its first screen strategy in more than a decade, to drive more jobs in film, television, and digital games.
The Andrews Labor Government is investing a record $120.7 million as part of a $191.5 million four-year strategy to support more than 40,000 jobs and inject more than $1.2 billion back into the Victorian economy.
The plan includes the $46 million expansion at Docklands Studios Melbourne with a sixth sound stage, the $40 million transformation of the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, and a new Victorian Production Fund for film, television, online and digital games content and a new creators lab.
The first set of projects will focus on premium drama.
Creatives and crew will be supported with career and development programs, focusing on training in digital sectors such as visual effects, games and animation.
More international screen businesses like animation house Princess Bento Studio and games studio Sledgehammer Games will also be lured to set up in Victoria.
Blockbuster productions remain a focus through the expansion of the Victorian Screen Incentive. The state government has requested approval from the Commonwealth to accept further numbers of key cast and crew.
Film Victoria will also be expanded.
Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson said, “The reputation of our screen industry is world-class and through VICSCREEN we will grow jobs, foster local talent and put Victorian projects on the map.
“Films like The Dry, filmed in Victoria’s Wimmera region, show us how powerful local story-telling can be. This strategy will give even more Victorian stories a chance to shine.
“We have an enormous pool of talent here in Victoria and this strategy will build on our strengths and position the industry for growth for decades to come.”
“The Australian screen sector is enjoying a welcome burst of activity at the moment but we all know this short-term sugar hit won’t last forever,” MEAA Victoria and Tasmania regional director Adam Portelli told The Age. “It is essential that we use this period to ensure a sustainable future for the Australian screen industry so it can continue to provide meaningful work for Australians.”