The NSW government says supporting Australian storytelling, developing the next generation of creative talent, and a plan to grow the digital games sector are the key priorities of its new three-year screen and digital games strategy.
The screen industry added almost $1.1 billion to the state’s economy in 2021-22, and NSW is currently home to 51 percent of Australia’s screen production, and 49 per cent of post-production businesses.
The latest plan details proposed investments in developing local talent and audiences. Key elements of the NSW Screen and Digital Games Strategy include:
- a $1 million pilot program to address skills shortages will be developed and rolled out with TAFE, AFTRS and NIDA to fast-track entry level and mid-career below the line practitioners in the below the line workforce.
- a $200,000 IP option fund will give producers the ability to purchase IP rights to turn home-grown novels, non-fiction work and podcasts into screen and gaming content, so we have more Australian stories on screen.
- the $200,000 Community Film Festival Opening Night Fund will support communities to share the vibrancy of screen stories with audiences from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, by bringing them together to enjoy screen community film festivals.
Screen NSW will convene an industry working group to help develop an Australian industry response to AI, and review funding guidelines. The Head of Screen NSW will be given the authority to escalate critically urgent production issues for an urgent government response.
There are also plans to address the critical shortage of filming infrastructure in NSW, and to establish a new hub for creative workers across the industry.
Digital games industry
The $466 billion global digital gaming industry is highlighted in the latest strategy as an enormous opportunity. New incentives to support games production and increase NSW revenue for digital games to $406.39 million in 2027-28 include:
- Reducing Digital Games Rebate NSW expenditure minimum from $500,000 down to $350,000: the Rebate is designed to nurture homegrown developers, attract and retain work and talent to the state, and accelerate growth in the NSW digital games sector. While many larger, established studios currently access the Rebate, the lowered threshold mean it will now be more accessible to a broader range of digital games companies in NSW, including many independent studios that currently operate in the state.
- Increased investment in the Digital Games Seed Development Program and Market Travel Programs: a flourishing games industry is one that includes large and small developers, an investment of $1.5 million over three years will support digital games producers to essential skills and build their industry networks and knowledge.
Strengthening screen culture in NSW
Minister for the Arts John Graham said, ‘Our people, our stories, and our skills – these are the reasons why more than half of Australian screen production happens here in NSW. This strategy sets out how the government and the industry could work together to build on that.
‘While there has been a recent slowdown in global screen production, the federal government’s increased location offset will see Australia gain a greater share of that market,’ he said. This strategy recognises the opportunities that brings, as well as the pressure that puts on NSW production facilities.
‘We have identified ways of cutting the red tape that has made NSW a “No” state when it comes to attracting productions. Backed by the introduction of a NSW Screen and Digital Games Act, we aim to make NSW a “Yes” state.
‘For the first time in NSW, we are putting digital gaming front and centre. This strategy sets out a “hothouse” approach that backs existing high performing producers to support the ambitious target of 20 per cent compound annual growth in the sector.’
Thrilled
Head of Screen NSW Kyas Hepworth said, ‘I am thrilled to be able to drive this strategy and provide a path forward for our sector, working towards a vibrant and sustainable future for all screen practitioners and game makers in NSW.
‘Storytelling has the power to unite and inspire, and as a state with such a rich depth of talent, we strive to be known as the place to create compelling stories. This is an exciting time for our sector as, while developing this strategy, we have taken stock of where the industry is at and looked forward to where we want to be in the next three years. This has informed our strategy and with this vital support we want to move forward with the industry and take it to new heights.
‘I am confident this strategy will provide assurance that Screen NSW are committed to supporting NSW stories and storytellers,’ said Mr Hepworth.
The full strategy available is here: Screen NSW – NSW Screen and Digital Games Strategy
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