Screen Australia Open For Co-Production Business

June 22, 2010 12:10

Screen Australia has released draft guidelines for the International Co-production Program that incorporate a number of changes aimed at increasing flexibility.

“Screen Australia wants to ensure that Australian filmmakers have the greatest possible chance of working with the best international talent to produce stories that engage and entertain global audiences,” said Ruth Harley, Screen Australia’s Chief Executive. “Co-production status allows a feature film access to the 40% Producer Offset. This access to a generous Government rebate combined with the increased flexibility of the guidelines will make working with Australian practitioners on official co-productions internationally appealing. The proposed changes will help to increase the level of production in Australia and ensure greater sustainability.”

The key proposed changes include:
• The ability, subject to the terms of the relevant treaty, for a writer from outside the co-producing partner countries to contribute to a screenplay as long as he or she is not a credited writer of the screenplay.
• A revision of the points test by which the Australian creative contribution is assessed.
• The provision for Australian co-producers, prior to securing finance, to apply to Screen Australia for a non-binding letter of preliminary compliance.

The draft guidelines are available at www.screenaustralia.gov.au/coproductions. It is anticipated that the guidelines will come into effect in early July pending the outcome of the final consultation phase.

Contact details:

Location: (Nationwide)

Contact: Screen Australia

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