Breaking News: NSW Screen Programs Ensure Continued Support for the Industry

Sep 27, 2023

In a recent development, the screen industry in New South Wales (NSW) is breathing a collective sigh of relief. Screen Producers Australia (SPA) expressed a warm welcome to the announcement made by the NSW Minister for the Arts, Hon John Graham MLC, affirming the continuity of crucial screen industry programs. These programs, including the Post Digital and Visual Effects (PDV), the Digital Games Development Rebate Program, and the Made in NSW Fund, will persist with their existing terms for eligible projects.


SPA CEO, Matthew Deaner, acknowledged the significance of this announcement, stating, “This announcement is a huge relief to the screen industry, and we thank the Minister for his robust and deep engagement with SPA and the industry over the past few weeks and the opportunity to present the risk and harm that was being done to our sector.”



While recognising the need for further efforts to fully restore NSW’s standing in the industry, Deaner expressed appreciation for the Government’s attentive response. He emphasised the unity displayed across various facets of the industry in addressing this crucial situation.


Screen industry holds a vital place as a significant and growing sector that not only generates economic activity but also fuels employment, skills training, and nurtures cultural identity. The industry remains optimistic about advancing the NSW sector on a positive trajectory, ensuring that creative industries rightfully claim their spot in the national and international economic and industry landscapes.


In a recent meeting with the Minister, SPA had the opportunity to discuss several steps that could help secure and grow the state’s screen industry. These steps include collaborating with the Federal Government and the industry to develop a Screen Export Strategy, emphasising the need for additional infrastructure, focusing on skills development and training programs, and proposing the establishment of a dedicated 'Screen Hub' for the sector and the NSW public.


Additionally, many submissions to the State’s Arts, Culture & Creative Industries Policy, including SPA’s, underscored the importance of Screen NSW being an autonomous agency with adequate resources to support and grow the industry. Presently, unlike many other states, this autonomy is lacking in NSW, to the detriment of the industry.


Commendations to Matthew Deaner, CEO of Screen Producers Australia, MEAA, Screen NSW and the 1000s of industry practitioners for their incredible work this week to lobby to save the NSW screen industry funding.


This positive development sets the stage for a bright future for the NSW screen industry, as it continues to grow and thrive, reinforcing its vital role in the economic and cultural landscapes both nationally and internationally. Stay tuned for more updates on how this exciting journey unfolds!


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Bada Bing, Bada Boom! Victoria's Investment in SongMaker Program builds momentum for the Creative Industries

21 Feb, 2024
Taylor Swift's Eras tour delivers big dollars to the Aussie economy . A staggering $174 million boost in spending in Victoria with approximately $86 million into accommodation, hospitality, and tourism sectors and Sydney set to come, the expected spend on merchandise alone is $66 million. The Australian live music sector plays a vital role in the nation's economy, with research indicating contributions of $5.7 billion in industry value last year. However, local artists face challenges competing with international superstars. That’s why we’re encouraged by the news announced on Sunday, February 18th, that the Victorian Government is investing $2 million in the high school songwriting program, SongMakers , signalling a significant commitment to nurturing the local creative economy. APRA AMCOS CEO Dean Ormston said Australian contemporary music is fast becoming the nation’s biggest cultural export: “When we build Australia’s songwriting capacity, we build our intellectual property, creating careers and generating income for the nation.” APRA Chair, Jenny Morris, captured the essence of this investment perfectly: "A good song creates jobs, lots of jobs. And a good song builds Australia’s intellectual property assets, generating big incomes that include export earnings, because a good song travels the world finding new performers and new audiences." With Taylor Swift's Melbourne chapter coming to a close, the spotlight shifts to Sydney. Are you ready for it? EP Australia is the premier Executive Search & Recruitment consultancy dedicated exclusively to the creative economy across Asia Pacific. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram to keep up with news, insights and career opportunities, or reach out to our team if you are hiring and need support on your executive search and recruitment requirements. Article sources: The Music Network , ABC News , and Women's Agenda .

Why Taylor Swift Is Good For The Economy

By Default Author • 10 Oct, 2023
In a world where creativity knows no bounds, the impact of the creative industries on our broader economy cannot be overstated. It's a symphony that not only resonates with Arts enthusiasts but also contributes to a thriving economy. Investing Beyond the Ticket: Fusing Creativity and Job Growth Attending a concert, show, or event offers an experience that extends beyond the ticket—it's an investment in memories, emotions, and local economies. Fans travelling for these events drive up demand for accommodation, dining, and various local services, positively impacting nearby businesses. Moreover, these gatherings catalyse job creation within the creative economy, contributing to employment opportunities. Taylor Swift's Tour Strikes a Financial Chord Here’s a good example: Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour, a juggernaut of creativity, not only enraptured fans but also reverberated through the U.S. hotel industry, injecting a whopping $208 million into room revenue. Highlighting the substantial economic potential within the creative arts that transcends the concert venues to echo through local businesses, communities, and broader economies. Encore of Economic Vitality: Extending Beyond Applause The positive aftermath of a remarkable show extends beyond the applause—it translates into spending and stimulates job growth. So, the next time you attend a concert event or a film, remember that you're not just witnessing an exhilarating performance; you're participating in a virtuous cycle that fuels the engine of our economy. Let's continue to support the arts and acknowledge the jobs it creates as we continue to elevate our communities through the magic of creativity. #EconomicImpact #CreativeIndustries #JobCreation EP Australia is the premier executive search & recruitment consultancy dedicated exclusively to the creative economy across Asia Pacific. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram to keep up with news, insights and career opportunities. Article Sources: Yelp, QuestionPro, Camoin Associates, Warner Bros Pictures, Box Office Mojo

Celebrating Excellence at the 2023 Australian Women in Music Awards

By Default Author • 02 Oct, 2023
Let's celebrate and congratulate the winners and finalists of the 2023 Australian Women in Music Awards for their inspiring contributions that continue to strengthen our music industry and elevate the international reputation of our vibrant music scene.

EP Australia announced as a winner of the 2023 Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards

By Default Author • 25 Sep, 2023
Australia's premier executive search and recruitment agency for the creative, sports and entertainment sector, EP Australia, has been named the winner of the Champion Recruitment Services category of the 2023 Australian Women's Small Business Champion Awards. The announcement was made at the Awards’ glittering National Presentation Evening held at the new Western Sydney Conference Centre on Saturday, September 23, 2023, where MD and Co-Founder, Patricia Powell-Hughes from EP Australia accepted the award on-stage on behalf of her business before almost 1000 attendees.
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