Reforms Create Opportunities

Our CEO, Matthew Deaner has called for reasoned industry discussion around the Review of the Temporary Work (Entertainment) visa (Subclass 420), saying that the industry must decide on what kind of future it sees for itself.

The question the industry needs to ask itself is whether it wants to be a small inward-looking industry or an ever expanding industry, proudly creating Australian screen content for the world, Mr Deaner says.

The key here is AUSTRALIAN CONTENT. The world is increasingly looking to us as they see a vibrant industry bursting with talent both in front of and behind the cameras.

Sensible reforms that reduce red tape will help us to grasp the opportunities at hand while at the same time, keeping in place those other existing safeguards that ensure Australian content and Australian actors remain front and centre on our screens.

Mr Deaner said that Australian producers are keenly aware that Australian audiences want to see Australian stories and Australian actors on their screens.

The Significant Australian Content test under the Producer Offset, the Australian Content Standard and Screen Australia's investment processes will continue to ensure that the vast majority of roles in Australian screen productions go to Australian actors, just as they ensure that roles behind the cameras are dominated by Australians, Mr Deaner said. As well, Australian producers are astute and know their market. They know their audiences want to see Australian actors on their screens. That is not going to change.

What these sensible proposed reforms will do is remove unnecessary uncertainty. The reality is that the current system is fickle and annually puts at risk hundreds of thousands of dollars of production investment.

There are layers of red tape that producers need to navigate not required by any other industry. For example, the Subclass 420 visa is the only visa subclass that includes a legislative requirement for union consultation.

Mr Deaner said that the Australian screen industry clearly benefits from international engagement, with international investment providing highly skilled jobs and career development opportunities across the sector.

Australian actors, directors and other technicians are much sought after all around the world. Hundreds of Australians are working everyday on overseas productions. We all benefit from the expertise they bring back to Australia, in terms of the quality of product on our screens and they jobs they generate when they return home to work.

The Screen Producers Australia submission to the Review states that: On occasion the creative and commercial demands of a project warrant the use of international talent. But the current process is not efficient, progressive or effective. Changes to this process will create more opportunities for employment and career advancement, increase production levels and decrease commercial uncertainty. This will guarantee that the public continues to have access to a diverse range of distinctive Australian screen content in more competitive global environment.

The regulation and guidelines must be clear, transparent and easily understood, responding to contemporary practice and accurately reflecting the crucial role of foreign investment in Australian screen content.

Mr Deaner pointed out that he Subclass 420 visa is not used widely or lightly, and that this is unlikely to change: Out of more than 13,000 full-time equivalent people employed annually by the independent production sector, there were just 114 foreign actors, or far less on a full-time equivalent basis, certified by the Arts Minister with a Subclass 420 visa for film and television production in 2013/14, and more than 80% of those stayed less than 27 days.

For media enquiries and interviews: Tracey Mair, TM Publicity for Screen Producers Australia Ph: 0419 221 493

Download the media release here.

LINK:	http://screenproducersaustralia.org.au/news/reforms-create-opportuniti...
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