Australia

Tax Breaks

Under the provisions of Division 10BA of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936, Australian resident tax payers are able to claim a tax deduction on 100% of monies invested in certain production costs of certain film and television programs. To be eligible, a film must be either a feature film, documentary, telemovie or miniseries and either an Australian film - made wholly or substantially in Australia - or an official co-production with 'significant Australian content'. Films that come under this criteria are eligible to apply for direct investment from the Australian Film Finance Corporation (FFC).

Alternatively, under Division 10B of the same act, a resident Australian taxpayer can elect to claim a two-year write off for certain capital expenditure. Whilst the project still must be 'wholly or substantially' Australian, eligible formats include both those for Division 10BA as well as series, short drama, multimedia, promotional, variety, educational, training and large format. These projects are not entitled to apply for FFC funding.

In March 1999 applications closed for the first round of the newly formed Film Licensed Investment Companies (FLIC) scheme. The scheme provides a 100% tax concession to investors in companies that are licensed to invest in a slate of film and television products. A FLIC can invest in any project that has been certified as qualifying under Division 10AB, and will be able to raise up to AS$40 million in concessional capital over the financial years 1998-1999 and 1999-2000.

Applications for Division 10AB or Division B eligibility are made to the Department of Communications Information Technology and the Arts.

Australian Film Commision

The AFC is the primary development agency for the film television and creative interactive media industries in Australia. The commission provides development funding for feature films and documentaries, and offers a New Screenwriters Scheme for unpublished and uncredited writers looking to develop a feature. In addition production funding is available for low-budget features, documentaries, animation, short dramas and experimental works, including post-production funding up to AS$20,000. The AFC also administers Australia's Official Co-production programme and promotes local films internationally.

For the financial year 1999-2000, the AFC has agreed to double its investment in script development to AS$2.4 million, whilst maintaining support for short films at AS$1.6 million and projects by Indigenous Australians at AS$750,000.

Film Finance Corporation

The FFC is a wholly owned Commonwealth company established in 1988 to support films which fall under Division 10AB of the Income Tax Assessment Act. For the financial year 1998/1999, the FFC received AS$48.02 million from the Australian Government to invest in the production of feature films, documentaries, telemovies and mini-series.

The typical investment from the FFC is in the form of equity investment, although production loans and underwriting are sometimes granted.

Regional Organisations

Arts Tasmania

The Tasmanian Office of Film, Television and Multimedia was established in 1999, providing a framework for creative artists in the area to create film and digital products.

Cinemedia (formerly Film Victoria)

Cinemedia provides development assistance as well as encouragement and promotion of the production, distribution and exhibition of screen content for entertainment, education and infomration.

New South Wales Film and Television Office (NSWFTO)

Offers script and project development, production finance, location liaison and screen culture grants. Emerging talent is encouraged through the Young Filmmaker's Fund, the Digital Visual FX Scheme, Directors Attachments and Fellowships.

Pacific Film and Television Commission (PFTC)

The PFTC covers film and television financing in the state of Queensland, whilst also working to encourage outside companies to film in the area.

Screen West

Provides funding and advice throughout Western Australia, with the priority on low-budget feature films, documentaries, animation and television drama.

South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC)

Besides provide production and development funding and promoting the area's film making activities, the SAFC operates its own production and sound mixing facilities.