Australia’s screen industry is currently in a state of celebration following the official implementation of the country’s increased Location Offset scheme, which was recently raised to an impressive 30%. This legislation, which was announced in May and has now become law as of July 1, represents a significant boost for TV and film productions shooting in the country. The previous rebate of 16.5% has now been replaced with a more attractive 30% rebate, a change that is expected to attract more overseas investment.
A Positive Outlook for the Industry
Kate Marks, the CEO of Ausfilm, a prominent production body in Australia, expressed her excitement about the new legislation, stating that the 30% Location Offset will bring certainty to international productions. This increased rebate is not only expected to support a stable pipeline of work for Australian screen workers and businesses but also to stimulate investment in new industry capacity and capabilities. These positive outcomes are crucial for the continued growth and success of Australia’s screen industry.
Advocating for Change
Australian TV and film bodies have been advocating for an improvement in the rebate system for years. As international shoots in Australia have been increasing, driven in part by generous regional rebate systems in states such as Victoria and New South Wales, the need for a higher Location Offset has become even more pressing. These efforts align with the Australian government’s Revive National Cultural Policy, emphasizing the importance of international production in the country.
Impact of the Changes
According to Kate Marks, Australia has become one of the most competitive locations for filming and TV production. The increase in foreign spend on drama production and post-production in recent years has been remarkable, with several large-scale titles contributing to record-breaking levels of investment. This trend is expected to continue with the implementation of the new 30% Location Offset, attracting even more high-budget productions to Australian shores.
Australia’s Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, emphasized that the changes in the Location Offset scheme will benefit the entire Australian screen sector. By encouraging more productions to choose Australia as their filming location, local screen workers will have more opportunities to showcase their talents and further develop their skills. The increase in production expenditure thresholds and the introduction of new requirements for qualifying for the rebate are aimed at enhancing the overall competitiveness of the Australian screen industry.
In addition to the Location Offset scheme, Australia also offers a 30% Post, Digital, and Visual Effects (PDV) Offset for international productions coming to the country for VFX and post-production work. The existing 40% Producer Offset is targeted at local productions and includes an Australian cultural test requirement. The merging of the Location Incentive program with the new Location Offset further streamlines the incentives landscape and creates a more attractive environment for both local and international productions.
Overall, Australia’s increased Location Offset is a game-changer for the country’s screen industry, providing significant benefits for both local workers and international productions. The positive impact of these changes is expected to be felt across the entire sector, driving growth, investment, and innovation in Australian film and TV production.
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