‘That Would Be Excessive’: Aus Screen Industry Warns Against Removing Local Content Quotas

Screen Producers Australia has urged the Government not cut to local content quotas for commercial television broadcasters amid the COVID-19 crisis.

As Sydney Morning Herald reports, the government has suggested, as part of a relief plan, the Australian Communications and Media Authority potentially cut current content quotas that require broadcasters to air a certain amount of Australia film and TV.

SPA CEO Matthew Deaner has said any Government response that involves reductions to annual content quotas would be “excessive and deal a hammer blow to a production sector already on its knees”.

“We cannot see any burden shifted to the independent production sector,” Deaner said.

“While we understand challenges the collective industry and economy is facing, this would simply compound problems – wiping out the production sector, removing small business and employment, stifling creativity and harming Australian culture.”

Australia’s film and TV landscape has been greatly affected due to COVID-19, with SPA reporting over 60 affected productions so far.

Earlier today, cinemas across the country, alongside entertainment venues, pubs, nightclubs, casinos and more, were shut down in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Meanwhile, Baz Luhrmann confirmed across the weekend that production on his Elvis Presley biopic had been suspended just weeks after star Tom Hanks confirmed he and Rita Wilson had tested positive for coronavirus.