Film Victoria has revealed its impressive 2016/17 result and launched its 2017-20 Corporate Plan which places a renewed emphasis on business growth and skills development.
Investment in 84 film, television and games projects commencing production last year generated more than $230 million for Victoria's economy – a record high expenditure since Film Victoria was established in 2001.
Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley said “From digital games to film, television and online content, our screen industry doesn’t just stimulate the imagination, it’s a major contributor to our state. In 2016-17 projects supported by the Victorian Government generated more than 7,700 jobs for screen practitioners and associated professionals. We also introduced new programs to strengthen screen businesses and ensure that our industry can secure even more opportunities for growth in the future.”
Film Victoria CEO, Jenni Tosi said “This is a terrific outcome for the Victorian Screen Industry and one that demonstrates the strength of Victoria as a hub for creative productions across all genres.”
“We are delighted at the diversity of content being created and finding success with local and international audiences.”
Film Victoria kicked off the 2017/18 financial year by announcing more than $2.6 million in funding for nine productions including three features, three documentaries, a six part drama series, one online series and one animated children’s series.
The funding will see a return season of ABC television documentary series Kick which follows the soccer season of young Victorian girls in their quest to become one of the Matildas. It will also support animation series The Strange Chores and the new instalment of the Underbelly Movie Files. More projects will be announced in the coming months.
The investment is expected to generate more than 2100 employment opportunities in the sector and bring in more than $36 million for the Victorian economy.
Through Film Victoria’s Screen Business Ventures program, eight Victorian businesses will share in more than $2.7m to implement strategies which will increase their output capacity.
Recipients include independent game developers League of Geeks (Armello) and Mighty Games Group (Shooty Skies and Disney Crossy Road) and drama production businesses Arenamedia, Carver Films, Every Cloud Productions, Princess Pictures, December Media and documentary specialist Genepool Productions.
Film Victoria’s commitment to deepening the pool of talented practitioners through career development opportunities has seen 35 positions supported through the organisation’s professional placement programs, including training for 16 directors, an assistant director, five writers, four producers and four post-production positions.
Through Film Victoria’s Attachment Program a further 26 attachments were funded across a range of technical roles in camera, wardrobe, sound and editing.
Film Victoria’s 2017-20 Corporate Plan maintains its existing vision and puts the growth and development of Victorian screen businesses and practitioners at the heart of Film Victoria’s programs and activities for the next three years.
The plan also outlined continued support for gender equality, diversity and inclusiveness in the Victorian screen industry. This includes a commitment to see women comprise 50 per cent of writers, directors and producers across the productions funded in the next five years and an ambition to double the number of women currently employed across all funded games.
Increasing the visibility of Victorian women working in the industry is already having an impact with nine women selected to pursue career development opportunities through the Film Victoria-Natalie Miller Fellowship Women in Leadership Development initiative and the Film Victoria Women in Games Fellowship.
A new section of Film Victoria’s website has been dedicated to promoting the achievements and success of women across all roles and sectors of the screen industry.
Ms Tosi said “Achieving gender equality and increased diversity in the screen industry remains a key goal for Film Victoria. We encourage and expect all of our stakeholders to share their responsibility to change the status quo.”