NSW Government reverses controversial screen industry funding cuts

The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) and Screen Producers Australia (SPA) have today welcomed the NSW Government’s decision to reverse the cutting of $60 million in funding from the screen industry.

MEAA and SPA were among the leading organisations calling on the NSW Government to retain rather than cut the screen funding program in the state budget. The cuts included reduced funding for the Post Digital and Visual Effects (PDV), the Digital Games Development Rebate Program, and the axing of the Made in NSW Fund.

Industry figures warned earlier in the month the decision would jeopardise film and television production and send thousands of jobs interstate, off the back of a booming demand to shoot in the state.

NSW Minister for the Arts John Graham said the state government was "providing certainty" for the program and rebate, rather than revising the budget process and added "what we are doing is replenishing funds to the level we had expected to account for the increased demand, while we work through the business case for future screen funding.”

In a letter to stakeholders, he said the original funding term for the PDV rebate was always set to expire in the 2023/24 financial year, while the Made in NSW program was slated to end in 2024/25.

Both funds will now continue on existing terms to eligible projects while the government works with industry to develop new initiatives for the screen and digital games sector.

MEAA welcomed the reinstatement and thanked the NSW Government for its quick action with the union's Chief Executive Erin Madeley noting "this will ensure that NSW remains a major destination for film and television production.

"The screen industry is an important part of NSW's cultural and economic identity. It generates hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity and supports thousands of skilled jobs and small businesses."

SPA Chief Executive Matthew Deaner also welcomed the Government’s decision adding "while there will be some work to do to fully restore NSW's standing, we appreciate that the Government has listened carefully and responded accordingly.

"Going forward, the industry is optimistic that we can advance the NSW sector on a positive footing and ensure that our creative industries here take their rightful place in the national and international economic and industry landscapes."

Image top. MEAA welcome NSW Government decision; image above: SPA Chief EXecutive Matthew Deaner with NSW Arts Minister John Graham. Credit: SPA