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.
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.
On Tuesday actors Susie Porter, Geoff Morrell and John Howard met with key senators to campaign against an Abbott Government proposal to cut requirements for taxpayer-funded productions to employ Australian actors and crew.
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.
Screen Producers Australia hopes to reach agreement with the other major guilds on a new scheme for low budget features within the next few months.
As the MEAA prepares to launch a campaign to fight proposed changes to the guidelines on foreign actors and crew working in Australian taxpayer-funded film and TV productions, filmmakers and other guilds insist reform is needed.
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 government is reviewing the regulations governing the importing of foreign film and TV performers and production personnel.