In a major overhaul of the regulatory system, the Federal Government is scrapping the fixed quotas for local drama, children's programming and documentary and harmonising the film and TV Producer Offsets at 30 per cent.
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.
One of the major but less recognised benefits of continuing to fund children's television in Australia is the long tail of overseas sales for multiple series, according to Jenny Buckland.
"Whether children’s content is a doona to hide under, or a superhero cape to throw over your shoulders, now more than ever it’s needed. Globally!"
The Producer Offset for Australian live action children's drama should be raised to 40 per cent and all platforms including streaming services be mandated to produce or co-fund children’s
content, according to the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance.
Many feature producers fear the Federal Government's sweeping media reforms will spell the death knell of Australian features, forcing them and some writers and directors to focus on content for streamers or free-to-air broadcasters.
Facing the prospect that the Federal Government will impose local content spending obligations on SVOD services, Netflix asserts it wants the right to negotiate how much it invests over the next three years.
Network 10 has committed to commission more documentaries following the success of Joined Up Films' 'Coronavirus Australia: Our Story', which went to air 16 days after getting the green light.