The film and television industries injected a remarkable $6.1 billion into Australia's economy, according to a report released today by Access Economics.
The report assessed the economic contribution of the film and television industry in its entirety — from small production companies through to large distribution and exhibition businesses, and from productions made for online viewing through to those for wide television network viewing.
In 2009-10 the total value added contribution of film and television to the Australian economy was over $6.1 billion and supported 48,667 jobs on a full time equivalent basis. The value added contribution rose 5.1% from $5.8 billion in 2006-07.
By comparison, the film and television industry contributed more than, for example, the aviation industry, which contributed $4.1 billion in 2009-10. The important contribution made by the Film and Television industry to the Australian economy was recognised in the 2009 government report entitled Australia’s Digital Economy: Future Directions, in which it was stated that “…content is the key driver of digital economy growth..”, and in turn “…the digital economy is essential to Australia’s productivity, global competitiveness and improves social well-being.”
The report was released today at the 2011 Australian International Movie Convention on the Gold Coast, attended by hundreds of representatives from Australia’s film distribution and exhibition sectors.
Speaking at the official launch of the Access Economics Report, Australian actor Roy Billing said: “It would be hard to imagine what our society would be like without screen entertainment: In purely economic terms, it is a substantial contributor to our economy, as this report makes clear – but culturally, it’s much more difficult to put a price on it. This is an important study for understanding how our business has grown, how many jobs it supports, and how we contribute to Australia’s economic and cultural make-up.”
Michael Hawkins, Executive Director of the National Association of Cinema Owners (NACO) said: “It is encouraging to see how the film and TV industries make such a significant contribution to jobs and the Australian economy. Australian cinemas, for example, continue to offer full and part time jobs for city and regional communities, employing the full-time equivalent of over 6,000 jobs. Over and above that, the local cinema provides a cultural hub for the community, offering a friendly place for people to meet, socialise and enjoy great entertainment.”
Film Producer and Distributor Andrew Mackie from Transmission Films, local distributor of The King’s Speech said: “The film and television industry is one of the fastest evolving sectors of our economy, providing jobs at the cutting edge of our digital transition. Our professionals are not only developers of valuable intellectual property, but are proving to be internationally competitive in creative and technological fields. They are industries of great value to Australia and well worth supporting.”
Neil Gane, Executive Director of the Australian Federation Against Copyright Theft said: “The Access Economics Report is a timely reminder of the value the screen entertainment sector brings to Australia. Content is the key driver of digital economy growth and the film and television industry here is at the forefront of delivering great content on a variety of platforms, world-class innovation and first-rate careers. It is also the reason why we are fully committed and dedicated to promoting and protecting this community that makes a tremendous contribution to the country in more ways than one."
The report also reviewed the economic contribution of the digital aspects of each sector within the film and television industry, finding that it amounted to 78.6% of the entire industry.
Key findings of the Access Economics Report include the following:
• The industry generated a total output of $20.2 billion, rising from $16.8 billion in 2006-07
• The industry contributed a total of $6.1 billion, rising from $5.8 billion in 2006-07
• The sector contributed an estimated $1.95 billion in tax to the Australian government in 2009-10, rising from $1.8 billion in 2006-07
• The total industry supported 48,667 full time equivalent jobs
• Free-to-Air TV contributed almost $1.9 billion in value added
• The production sector contributed $852 million in value added
• The distribution sector contributed $832 million in value added
• The digital contribution of the film and television industry is estimated to be $4.1 billion
A copy of the Access Economics Economic Contribution of the Film and Television Industry 2009-10 is available to view and download at www.afact.com.au
About AFACT
AFACT works closely with industry, government and enforcement agencies to address copyright theft and protect the interests of the film and television community as well as the interests of Australian movie fans.