The MEAA is lobbying MPs to block any government moves to reform the system of approving visas for foreign actors and crew to work in Australian taxpayer-subsidised screen productions.
The MEAA will mount a campaign to try to preserve its consultative role with federal government in determining which foreign actors and crew are permitted to work in Australian taxpayer-subsidised screen productions.
The federal Arts Minister should no longer have the power to approve the importing of foreign actors in Australian screen productions, according to Screen Producers Australia.
Veteran producer-director Martha Ansara warns that deregulating the system of approving visas for foreign actors and crews would endanger Australian cultural content.
The federal government is reviewing the regulations governing the importing of foreign film and TV performers and production personnel.
Foxtel has proposed the government would consult with the MEAA on visa applications for foreign actors and crew in taxpayer-funded Australian screen productiond as infrequently as every three years.
The commercial free-to-air broadcasters have called on the government to reform the process of granting visas to foreign actors and crew to work in Australia screen productions.
Ausfilm has aligned itself with producers, broadcasters and Foxtel in advocating the abolition of the requirement for the Arts Minister to consult with the MEAA on visa applications for foreign cast and crew.