The COVID-Safe Guidelines developed by the Australian Screen Sector Task Force set the stage for an imminent return to screen production - but only after travel restrictions are eased and the insurance risk issue is solved.
McLeod’s Daughters, the Nine Network drama co-created by Posie Graeme-Evans and Caroline Stanton, was proclaimed Australia's most favourite show in the Great Australian Binge.
Jennifer Naughton, RGM Artists' head of literary, explains how the agency's clients are coping with the pandemic and addresses, the lack of JobKeeper support and the exciting prospect of making content with Australian talent to export to the world.
"We know we're one of the very few crews working in the world. People are very thankful and very keen to make it all work so we can keep working safely."
Paul Fletcher acknowledges the urgency of resolving the COVID-19 insurance risk issue for screen productions and other sectors, and promises to formulate the Federal Government's media reforms as quickly as possible after the consultation period.
Working with remarkable speed, a screen sector task force and Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) CEO Nell Greenwood have completed a draft protocol setting out principles and practices for a return to screen production.
The Seven, Nine and 10 networks insist they are not stockpiling Australian dramas and other local programming despite the suspension of the local content quotas for the rest of this year.
Graeme Mason has warned there will be permanent job losses in the entertainment industry once the coronavirus pandemic has passed.