Film Victoria Announced Major Program Funding Review

In a move that heralds an exciting new phase for the state's screen industry, Film Victoria today announced plans to revise its industry development and investment program funding. Film Victoria CEO Sandra Sdraulig outlined the rationale for the revision and confirmed the importance of a collaborative industry process.

"We want to ensure Victorian practitioners maintain a strong marketplace advantage and to do that, we need to structure our development and investment programs accordingly," Ms Sdraulig said.

"For the past few months we have reviewed our funding programs internally and paid close attention to industry feedback, taking on board any issues raised. We've also explored programs implemented by other agencies nationally and internationally and considered global trends that affect local practitioners. Now we're ready to further discuss our funding programs proposal with the industry," Ms Sdraulig continued.

Film Victoria General Manager of Industry Development and Investment, Ros Tatarka, stated that a key aim of the review is to reflect a more dynamic multi-platform approach to content development and provide greater opportunities for professional development and business growth.

"Ultimately, Film Victoria wants local practitioners and businesses to succeed, and to generate a rise in the state's creative output. We want our funding programs to ensure Victoria's continued presence at the forefront of the country's screen industry," said Ms Tatarka.

Film Victoria will release the proposed changes to the industry in March, providing industry practitioners an opportunity to offer feedback. An industry forum will also be hosted to discuss the changes before all the feedback is considered and funding programs are finalised.

One of the most significant proposed changes to be discussed with the industry is the integration of Digital
Media Fund programs into the general suite of funds. With the cessation of Multimedia Victoria funding in
December 2006, and a new $4 million budget commitment from the Government commencing this year, Film
Victoria will propose a fully-integrated multi-platform approach to industry funding.

"The proposed integration of funds expands opportunities to all screen practitioners working across all platforms. Moreover, there will be a greater budget allocation available during the interim phase to fund digital media projects. We believe integration will ultimately open the door to a wealth of new business opportunities, encouraging cross-skilling and networking that will see creative energy and expression flourish. We really are on the verge of a wonderful new phase for the industry," said Ms Tatarka.

In the interim revised digital media programs will operate to support practitioners until any new changes are implemented. The interim programs will be posted on the Film Victoria website Friday 9 February.
It is expected that revised funding program guidelines will available online from 1 June 2007 and will be implemented from 1 July.

"We believe this review will be beneficial to the industry and practitioner feedback plays a crucial role in the evolution of our funding structure. We encourage practitioners to respond to our proposals and to be actively involved in the redevelopment process," said Ms Sdraulig. -- www.film.vic.gov.au