For nearly 40 years I have had an enjoyable and successful career as an actor. While I hope this will continue, I worry that Actors' Equity seems to be impeding the growth and development of the Australian film and television sector.
Roy Billing's plea to his union Actors' Equity to ease the restrictions on importing actors for Australian films has triggered a wave of support from producers, directors and other industry figures.
The right for Australian actors to take lead roles in Australian film and television productions was hard won.
The chorus of voices calling for a review of the process for approving imported actors in Australian taxpayer-funded film and TV productions is growing louder.
An Actors Equity national performers committee member has defended the union’s process of vetting imported actors in Australian taxpayer-funded film and TV productions.
Actor Roy Billing launched the campaign calling for the relaxation of restrictions on casting overseas actors in Australian screen productions, and he’s not giving up.
The federal government is reviewing the regulations governing the importing of foreign film and TV performers and production personnel.
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.