The Australian film and television industry contributed a significant $5.8 billion into the nation’s economy in 2012-13 despite a 12.2% fall since 2009-10, according to a new report prepared by Deloitte Access Economics.
The sector also supported more than 46,600 full time jobs and generated almost $2 billion in tax revenues.
The report – Economic Contribution of the Film and Television Industry in Australia – was released today at Sound Stage 6, Fox Studios Australia, with some of Australia’s leading filmmakers, screen actors and film and television industry executives in attendance.
Simon Bush, CEO, Australian Home Entertainment Distributors Association (AHEDA), said, “The change to digital is an exciting but challenging time for our industry. As the market evolves and physical disc sales taper off, it is clear that Australians remain avid consumers of films and television shows, and are now accessing them on a wide range of legal services. 2015 is shaping up to be an exciting year in the continued evolution of the home entertainment marketplace with SVoD service Stan launching last month to join Foxtel’s Presto, Dendy Direct and Quickflix, with Netflix starting in March.”
Jamie Hilton, Producer of The Little Death, The Waiting City and the new psychological thriller Backtrack, said, “Australia is a great place to be an independent producer. We have amazing cast and crews, diverse locations, and an important producer offset to help to tell our stories. Each film takes many years and involves hundreds of people, and when we finally have a popular product, like with any business, we expect to be paid. This is not a robin-hood situation – people uploading and downloading independent films are depriving the filmmakers and artists of their income. I’d really encourage anyone with an interest in seeing independent or Australian films, to access them via legal channels.”
Bruce Meagher, Director of Corporate Affairs, Foxtel, said, “We are fortunate at Foxtel and Presto – our new online streaming service, employs some terrifically skilled and innovative professionals – who are committed to this vibrant industry and are dedicated to providing audiences with the best possible viewing experience, when they want, where they want, on their device of choice. The overall reduction in the contribution over the last few years indicates that the digital transition is well and truly underway and this creates both opportunities and threats for our industry. We are grateful the Government has acknowledged that more needs to be done to meet the threat of online piracy and will continue to work cooperatively to ensure that appropriate measures are put in place to support the creative industries.”
Recent AACTA Award-winning actress Susan Prior (The Rover, Puberty Blues), said, “I’m immensely grateful to be able to work in the film and television industry, alongside so many talented filmmakers. While it’s vitally important that we acknowledge the huge economic contribution we make to Australia, it’s also essential that we recognise the social and cultural value our films and television shows contribute to our community. Australian audiences love Australian shows – I hope that we can continue to attract people to the screen for a long time to come, and we feel it’s worth supporting and protecting.”
Mark Day, Managing Director of the Australian Screen Association (ASA) said, “The report indicates that the film and television sector remains a significant contributor to the Australian economy, provides quality jobs and long term professional careers, and makes a vital contribution to our community well-being. The industry is committed to innovation and creativity and delivering quality screen experiences for audiences, and can be more effective in this aim if creative rights are protected online.”
The key findings of the report show that in 2012-13, the film and television industry in Australia:
1. Contributed a total of $5.8 billion in GDP
2. Supported 46,600 full time jobs
3. Contributed $1.9 billion in tax
This report was launched with the support of the National Association of Cinema Operators – Australasia (NACO), Australian Independent Distributors Association (AIDA), Australian Home Entertainment Distributors Association (AHEDA), Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA), Screen Producers Australia (SPA), Independent Cinemas Association of Australia (ICAA), MetroScreen, Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA), Australian Directors Guild (ADG), and Foxtel, and was commissioned by the Australian Screen Association.