Independent cinema operators are cautiously optimistic about the road ahead as they push forward with their SCREEN Fund applications.
Recognizing that many DOPs are in dire straits financially, the Australian Cinematographers Society is giving one year's free membership to its 1,600 members.
Independent Cinemas Australia president Scott Seddon addresses the challenges facing cinemas in negotiating with landlords, cash-flow problems with JobKeeper and the need for a coordinated industry-wide approach when cinemas re-open.
Financial support from the Federal Government for the hundreds of thousands of screen industry practitioners who lost their jobs during the pandemic could be imminent.
Australian actors, producers, writers, directors and crew members have slammed the Federal Government's decision to deny access to the JobKeeper wage subsidy to freelancers and other casual workers.
Hoyts Group CEO Damian Keogh is confident the business will rebound strongly once there is a steady flow of new releases.
ITV Studios Australia MD David Mott is encouraged to see the Aussie networks are still looking to commission shows despite the slump in advertising revenues.
The Federal Government's decision to rule out extending the $1,500 a fortnight JobKeeper wage subsidy to casual workers who had been employed for less than a year will penalise many thousands of cinema industry employees and screen sector freelancers.