In a welcome move for industry, the Federal Government has backtracked on its decision to harmonise the Producer Offset for film and television, announcing on Sunday that the offset will remain at 40 per cent for theatrical features.
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The National Association of Cinema Operators (NACO) is optimistic about securing COVID-19 assistance funding for major exhibitors, days after blasting the government's $20 million commitment to support independent cinemas.
Screen Australia has announced $2 million of funding via its Enterprise program, including four Business & Ideas projects and 11 Enterprise People talent opportunities.
A comedy-drama about a teen boy's quest to take part in his rural home town's debutante ball as his drag queen persona will receive development support via the AACTA Pitch: Regional Landscapes initiative.
"I felt like filmmakers got into film because they wanted to tell stories, not to figure out the best finance plan, negotiate deals, review paperwork, or chase people down for signatures."
Six LGBTQIA+ web series concepts will each receive $2,000 in development funding after being shortlisted for Screenwest and Screen Australia’s Out Now initiative.
Screen Australia CEO Graeme Mason has acknowledged that the government's proposed media reforms may result in fewer theatrical features but said the organisation remained committed to supporting projects for which cinemas were the "perfect home".