AIDC 2022: “None of us understand how tough it has been for you”

Screen Australia yesterday fronted a session at the Australian International Documentary Conference introducing new members of the Documentary / Factual team.

It was AIDC 2020 when COVID was just impacting on Australia.

This conference marks one of the first times so many producers have come face to face in a two year period.

CEO Graeme Mason opened by telling delegates, “I do want to say how amazing it is to see you all and be here in person. It has been such a long time.

“Obviously, I know, it’s been incredibly tough for everybody. And I want to just make sure that we all give ourselves a moment that whilst it’s going back to some sort of normal now, there’s going to be collateral damage for a lot of us for a long time as we work through this.

“So I think the most important thing I really hope that we get out of these days, is literally an experience of just seeing people and beginning to reestablish those bonds and connections to make us work as collaboratively as possible.”

Mason acknowledged the struggles experienced by independent producers during the pandemic, but also explained the large-scale impact that had been felt by his own team.

“None of us understand how tough it has been for you trying to make payroll and keep your companies going. We don’t have that, we’re really lucky we get paid. But I guess what some of you maybe don’t understand is that we deal with 300 people or 500 people. So we have 500 of you coming to us going ‘Oh my god, my company’s in trouble. my production’s in trouble.’ So just the damage, I think to some of our side of the desk has been intense. Because what these people (on the panel) are all trying to do is help you make stuff. And so they’ve got your best interests at heart.”

Mason added, “Congratulations, all of you. It’s extraordinary how many of you have made stuff, great stuff, during this time. It just shows the kind of creative spirit you’ve got, the resilience you’ve got, and your adaptability.”