by FilmInk Staff
Screen Producers Australia (SPA) today released findings from a recent member survey that highlight the tough commissioning environment and pessimism resulting from the delay in implementing local content rules on streaming platforms.
“A high proportion of SPA’s screen-producing members surveyed are telling us that their businesses have been significantly and badly impacted by the delayed local content rules,” said SPA CEO Matthew Deaner.
“The survey also points to a major loss of optimism about the screen industry compared to a year ago. Given these calculated estimates of the lost work, this is hardly surprising.
“The impasse over this regulation is given as the reason for a slowdown in project greenlighting, with each stalled, missed or collapsed commission leading to millions in lost investments, job losses, business uncertainty and less local content production that will continue to affect audiences for years.
“Without immediate regulatory action, we risk losing the diverse storytelling that defines our culture, as well as the economic benefits that come with a thriving local industry,” said Mr Deaner.
Key findings from the survey include:
- Reduced production– an estimated 170+ stalled, missed or collapsed commissions.
- Screen job losses – 15,000+ screen jobs lost across 61 screen businesses.
- Cultural and economic opportunities missed– an estimated $1 billion+ in lost budgets.
“While audiences are quickly moving to streaming, our local content rules have not moved with them and are stuck in limbo. The sooner this policy impasse is resolved, the better for Australian audiences, our members and the whole local screen industry.
“Thousands of small businesses and creative workers in our industry depend on the Australian Government achieving some sort of outcome,” said SPA CEO Matthew Deaner.
Link to SPA pulse survey summary doc HERE.
