A package of reforms introduced to Parliament on June 5 will slash red tape for the NSW film and television industry, and give film-makers easier access to prime locations. Minister for the Arts Frank Sartor – who officially opened the Sydney Film Festival on Wednesday – said the legislation would help cement NSW as the state of choice for film and television
production.
“The Iemma Government’s film friendly package is designed to attract big international films to NSW, as well as boost local film and television production,” Mr Sartor said.
“It is about giving practical, commonsense assistance to one of our most valuable industries. Our plan will compel local councils and government agencies to give film and television projects their full support and it significantly reduces the excessive fees and complex approval processes that can make it difficult to film here.”
The key elements of the package include:
• Local councils and government agencies must approve film projects unless there are compelling reasons not to.
• There will now be a presumption that filming activities are allowed on community land – unless expressly excluded in the applicable plan of management – subject to conditions to ensure environmental protection.
• Fees for location filming must be reasonable and restricted to recovery of costs.
• The Government is revising the previous Local Government Filming Protocol and will be consulting with industry, councils and statutory authorities. Under the new legislation, councils can only opt out of the protocol by adopting a satisfactory
alternative policy with the approval of the Director-General of the Department of Local Government.
• The package will remove red tape for filmmakers wanting to film on Crown Land and makes it easier for filming vehicles to park for an extended period.
Mr Sartor said the new legislative package would build on other film initiatives, including the additional $1.8 million to the Sydney Film Festival towards a major international film prize.
“This year marks the first year the prize will be awarded and I wish all those in the running the
best of luck,” Mr Sartor said. “Creative media and design is one of the State’s five key sectors – we recognise the value of
these industries and we are keen to invest in them.
“We are working to help bring new business opportunities and profile to the NSW film industry, which is why the Government recently provided funding to leading digital effects company Animal Logic for Guardians of Ga’hoole and to bring the productions of Wolverine and Mao’s Last Dancer to Sydney.”
In addition to the film friendly package, Mr Sartor said the Iemma Government would partner with industry and councils on a code of conduct, ensuring locals were informed of any filming, and that filmmakers minimised disruptions and cleaned up after he shoot.
Executive Director of the Screen Producers Association of Australia, Geoff Brown, welcomed the legislation.
“This is a significant step forward for our industry,” Mr Brown said. “It will clear away a number of hurdles currently faced by the local screen industry.
“NSW is home to many of Australia’s most creative and technically astute professionals and I am sure they will welcome these initiatives.”
[release from NSW Minister from the Arts]