Australia
Location: Oceania
Broadcasters
Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Network 10
Nine Entertainment
Currencies
Q. Are there any requirements, when sending AUD?
A. Just your details, the beneficiary details and the purpose of the payment.
Q. Can I send inbound and outbound payments?
A. Yes, there are no restrictions on sending money into or outside of Australia.
Q. How much can I send?
A. As much as you want.
Q. How long will it take for my funds to be received?
A. Standard international payment time. Please note, due to the different time zones, payments received in Australia will be delayed by a day.
Q. Who can I send AUD to?
A. Both individuals and businesses can receive funds.
Q. Is sending AUD expensive?
A. Not if you use the right currency broker, who will be able to offer you bank-beating exchange rates and significantly lower payment charges.
Q. Can you use forward contracts with AUD?
A. Yes. With the right currency broker, you can book a USD exchange rate forward, protecting you against any adverse currency movements. With these contracts, you will always know exactly what is coming out of your bank account.
Information courtesy of Currencies Direct.
Visas & Permits
Visas & Work Permits
All individuals who are not Australian citizens or permanent residents need to obtain a temporary work visa for the duration of their stay. The appropriate visa is usually the Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408).
In some circumstances, one of these visas may be more suitable:
• eVisitor (UK and EU nationals / subclass 651)
• ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) (US and Canadian nationals / subclass 601)
• Visitor (most other countries / subclass 600)
Visa applications may take up to three months to process.
For stays of more than three months, each applicant must be sponsored by an eligible company. Sponsors and supporters also need to get approval from the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA), the local entertainment union. To process the sponsorship visas, MEAA requires evidence of the deal memos between the overseas production company and each crew personnel. A similar thing has to be done with the cast as well.
Please note that the Temporary Work Visa (subclass 400) can only be used to attend meetings, sign contracts or undertake training. Any activity that would normally attract remuneration will require a Temporary Activity Visa.
Anyone found working on the wrong visa will be deported from Australia, and face an immediate three-year ban from applying for temporary Australian visas.
Please contact a local embassy, consulate or representative for more information. Alternatively, there are specialist companies that provide visa and immigration support to the media industry, and may be able to assist.
Film Location Permits
Saturday afternoon and Sunday are the best times to film in Sydney’s downtown business district. All other times are much more restricted.
Most inner city locations requiring exclusive use of public space require at least seven days to process permits. Tracking shots and road closures require up to ten days.
Locations outside of major cities are easier to permit.
Customs
For productions looking to bring in film equipment, Australia is an ATA carnet country.
When to Film
When to Film
The Australian climate varies considerably depending on the time of year, latitude, altitude and also proximity to the sea. Australia is made up of three climatic zones: the tropical north, the dry and arid desert central region, and the temperate southern areas.
Winters are mild with only some snow falling in the mountainous areas. Summers can be very hot, and either dry or humid depending on the location. In parts of the country, warmer temperatures can be experienced well into the winter months.
Christianity is the majority religion, although Australia is a multicultural country. So, many religious holidays are observed.
Public Holidays
Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Australia.
Costs & VAT
Although Australia is a cost competitive option, distance is a major expense, both in terms of getting to Australia and getting around the country.
Australia is a very well established and sophisticated production centre, so factors of production cost accordingly. Post-production is one area that remains a cost saving attraction, typically being 30-40% less expensive than in the US.
In Australia, the VAT rate is known as the GST (Goods & Services Tax) rate. At the time of writing, it is set at 10%.
Funding & Tax Incentives
Funding
Ausfilm
Australian Department of Communications & the Arts
Screen Australia
Screen Canberra
Screen NSW
Screen Queensland
Screen Tasmania
Screen Territory
Screenwest
South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC)
VicScreen
Tax Incentives
Tax incentives for New South Wales
Tax incentives for Queensland
Tax incentives for South Australia
Tax incentives for Victoria
Tax incentives for Western Australia
Treaty Documents
At the time of writing, the UK has a Film & TV Co-Production Treaty with Australia. Details can be found on the BFI website.
The UK also has a Free Trade Agreement with Australia.Other Useful Resources
Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS) is a not-for-profit company, limited by guarantee, which was formed in 1958 for the purpose of providing a forum for cinematographers to further develop their skills through mutual co-operation.
Australian Directors Guild (ADG) is a registered organisation, representing Australian directors who work in the film, television, online, arts and entertainment, music video, animation, commercial advertising and related industries.
Australian Writers Guild (AWG) is a professional association representing writers for stage, screen, radio and online, which has protected and promoted their creative and professional interests for more than 50 years.
Digital + Technology Collective is a network of Australia’s digital agencies, organisations and individuals that provide services and solutions in the digital and technology space.
Screen Producers Australia (SPA) unites screen businesses to campaign for a healthy commercial environment, supported by a representative council and a full-time secretariat.