The Alliance has welcomed the increased funding of $5 million for the NSW Film and Television Production Industry. “This doubling of production investment finance will go a long way to promoting greater levels of film and television production and employment in the state.” Alliance Federal Secretary, Christopher Warren said. “NSW crew members and performers have been doing it tough for a long time and this injection of funds is a welcome relief.”

“It is also an important step towards creating a more film friendly environment and I congratulate the NSW Government for working to encourage local film and television production to return to NSW “

Mr Warren noted however that this is a one off expenditure increase.

“There are clear direct and indirect economic benefits and flow on effects that arise from an injection of funding this size. Once this is demonstrated to the government – we would expect that this increase will be made ongoing.”

Equity director, Simon Whipp, said “Like the ABC funding increase at the Federal level, this increased government support is a vindication of all the campaigning by Alliance members, who have been taking the message to government for years that NSW performers, crew and their families have been doing it tough.” .

“However to ensure a full recover for the sector one more significant step needs to be taken and that is the introduction of open, transparent and well defined film incentives to attract and retain foreign productions. Both Queensland and Victoria offer comprehensive incentives to lure large budget offshore productions.

“The introduction of such incentives would send a strong signal to both the international and Australian film and television production industries that NSW means business, ensuring future Green Lanterns and other foreign productions will be attracted to working in the State.”

For more information or comment please contact Jonathan Este on 0402 850 611