The Australian screen industry recently received exciting news with the announcement that the country’s Location Offset scheme has been raised to 30%. This increase, which was officially implemented on July 1st, signifies a significant boost for TV and film productions shooting in Australia as it raises the rebate from the previous 16.5% to 30%. The industry is now celebrating this legislative change, recognizing its potential to attract more overseas investment and enhance the competitiveness of Australia as a filming destination.
Kate Marks, the CEO of Ausfilm, a leading production body in Australia, expressed her enthusiasm for the increased Location Offset scheme. Marks highlighted the benefits of the 30% rebate, emphasizing that it will provide certainty for international productions and support a stable pipeline of work for thousands of Australian screen workers and businesses. She also emphasized how this change would trigger investment into new industry capacity and capabilities, contributing to the growth and sustainability of the Australian screen sector.
The Australian TV and film industry has been advocating for an enhanced rebate scheme for years, recognizing the importance of remaining competitive in the global market. With Australia attracting more international shoots due to generous regional rebate systems in states such as Victoria and New South Wales, the need for a higher Location Offset became increasingly urgent. This advocacy has now paid off with the implementation of the 30% rebate, which aligns with the country’s goal of attracting more international productions.
The Australian government’s support for the film and TV industry is evident through the implementation of the increased Location Offset scheme. Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, emphasized that the changes would benefit the entire Australian screen sector by providing more opportunities for local screen workers to showcase their talents and develop their skills. By encouraging more large-budget productions to choose Australia as their filming location, the government aims to strengthen the domestic screen industry and promote growth in the sector.
To qualify for the rebate, productions must meet certain expenditure thresholds, with Australian production expenditure thresholds raised to A$20M for film and A$1.5M per hour for television series. Productions also need to fulfill minimum training obligations, engage at least one Australian post, digital and visual effects company, and provide new reporting to capture data. Additionally, the Location Incentive program has been merged into the new Location Offset, while Australia continues to offer a 30% Post, Digital, and Visual Effects (PDV) Offset for international productions.
In addition to the increased Location Offset scheme, Australia also offers a 40% Producer Offset for local productions, which requires an Australian cultural test for eligibility. This diverse range of incentives programs aims to attract both international and local productions, supporting the growth and sustainability of the Australian screen industry. With the implementation of these incentives, Australia has positioned itself as a competitive and attractive destination for filming, drawing in a wide range of productions from around the world.
The increased Location Offset scheme in Australia has had a positive impact on the country’s screen industry, providing a significant boost for both international and local productions. The legislative change reflects the government’s commitment to supporting the growth of the sector and enhancing Australia’s competitiveness as a filming destination. By offering a range of incentives and rebates, Australia has solidified its position as a key player in the global film and TV market, attracting a diverse array of productions and driving investment in the local industry.