SPA Statement on the ABC’s New Deloitte Access Economics Report – Screen Producers Australia (SPA) welcomes the release of the ABC’s new Deloitte report examining the broadcaster’s contribution to Australia’s screen production sector and broader creative economy.
The Lights, Camera, Action: The Economic and Social Contribution of ABC Commissioned Screen Productions report highlights the important role the ABC plays in commissioning Australian content, supporting local production businesses and contributing to the broader cultural and economic value of Australian storytelling.
SPA CEO Matthew Deaner said the report reinforced both the importance of public broadcasting and the need to ensure Australia’s independent production sector remains sustainable into the future.
“This report highlights the enormous contribution Australian screen storytelling delivers to our culture and economy, and the important role the ABC continues to play in commissioning, building intellectual property and showcasing Australian stories,”
– Mr Deaner said.
“The report identifies externally commissioned co-productions as the key driver of the economic contribution generated by ABC productions, reinforcing the importance of strong and sustainable partnerships between the ABC and Australia’s independent production sector.
“As the report acknowledges, global streaming giants have intensified pressure on the local industry, including the ABC, and this is increasingly evident through the deal terms and licensing arrangements being sought from independent producers.
“The whole industry is under severe pressure, and the consequences of increased production costs and limited funding are leading to some critical pressure points emerging across the sector.
“Australia’s independent screen sector wants the opportunity to achieve fair deals with all commissioners, including the ABC, but currently many producers feel the sector is operating in a take-it or leave-it deal making environment, and Government oversight and interventions into these arrangements as exists in other territories remains increasingly important if we are to have a functioning independent sector.
“No-one understands the importance and value of intellectual property better than the creative and entrepreneurial producers who bring new stories and characters to our screens. But unless producers receive fair contract terms that properly recognise and reward this work, the long-term sustainability and professional development of the sector will be at risk.
“The ABC is critically placed to partner with the independent sector to drive the future growth, sustainability and development of our creative industry, and independent producers are ready to seize the opportunities this presents. A strong and sustainable local production sector is in everybody’s interests.
SPA said the report provides an important contribution to ongoing discussions about the future of sustainability of Australia’s screen production ecosystem and the role public broadcasters continue to play within it.
Media Release – SPA
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SPA Statement on the ABC’s New Deloitte Access Economics Report
