The Australian Film Industry Faces a Skills Shortage
a lack of available Australian film crews. Despite a star-studded cast and funding from Amazon Prime, Ivin had to rely on international crews from New Zealand to fill the gap.
This situation raises concerns about the Australian film industry's ability to meet the demands of the upcoming National Cultural Policy changes. These changes will require major streaming platforms to invest 20% of their revenue into local content production from mid-2024.
Ivin believes Australia currently lacks the workforce to fully utilize this quota. He advocates for increased investment in training and development, highlighting the diverse range of career opportunities beyond directing and producing. He suggests an apprenticeship model similar to the building industry and the construction of more studios.
Some streaming services have already limited Australian productions in anticipation of the quota. Ivin believes this hesitation stems from a fear of regulation, but he hopes the government's aim is to ensure continued investment in Australian content in the long term.
Matthew Dabner, a lecturer at the University of Technology Sydney, acknowledges the "sugar hit" of content production fueled by pandemic stimulus. He believes a streaming quota could reignite confidence and trigger another surge. UTS has witnessed a rise in film students and believes they can quickly provide the necessary workforce with minimal additional training.
The National Cultural Policy dictates program formats that contribute to the quota, including scripted dramas, documentaries, and children's programs. Dabner emphasizes the importance of supporting formats that require assistance, such as children's programming, which has seen a decline during the pandemic.
The policy aims to ensure streaming services use their Australian revenue to create original Australian content, not simply adaptations of foreign formats. This will provide much-needed support to the local industry and ensure its continued growth and success.