New South Wales Film Makers Group

The following news are selected articles from the NSWFMG newsletters, become a member to reveieve all and unedited film industry news.

30th April 2008
NSWFMG, response to FTO Strategic Review
FMG were asked to attend workshops late last year along with other industry players to assist the FTO is defining their future direction. The following is our response to the outcomes.

- NSWFMG response to FTO Strategic Review

29th May 2008
High achievers give lens-eye view
Even in an Australian industry that outperforms globally, our cinematographers are the high achievers of our film sector... More

9th March 2008
Film Friendly Package
We welcome the Premiers announcement on the 9th of March and believe it to be a first step improvement to the industries needs. We are encouraged also that our efforts to heighten Governments awareness to the problems facing our local industry, have been acknowledged. Now more than ever we need to remain a strong active Group to ensure these changes are implemented.

- Iemma Government calls ‘action!’ on filming in Sydney
- Announcement of Film Friendy Package

27 February 2008
Shoot and we'll cough up
IT is the most consequential decision the federal Government and Arts Minister Peter Garrett are likely to make: one that could establish a vibrant film industry but cost the parsimonious new Government hundreds of millions of dollars... More

11th january 2008
Australian films at the local box office in 2007
Australian films earned $36.0 million in 2007, or 4.0 per cent of the total box office of $895.4 million, close to the 10 year average of $34.7 million or 4.3 per cent of the total yearly box office... More

5th January 2008
FTO reports record regional production
The New South Wales Film and Television Office’s Annual Report for 2006/07 has recorded a year of significant change with much for the NSW screen industries to be proud of, including an Academy Award for Dr George Miller and his Animal Logic colleagues for Happy Feet, and a record level of production in regional NSW... More

30th December 2007
Lemma cuts red tape
Premier Morris Iemma is set to lure the world's best movie-makers to NSW as the State Government moves to cut red tape and filming costs in Sydney... More

23rd December 2007
Garrett to play major role
They're movie stars, Oscar-winning directors and Hollywood heavyweights, commanding multi-million-dollar fees per film in the US... More

Australia - Bringing it all back home
8th November 2007, Screen Daily

When production on Warner Bros' superhero project Justice League Of America (working title) wraps shooting next year, director George Miller hopes that, for once, the project's many Australian crew members will not have to move abroad to continue working... Article

“Your Shout” comes to Sydney – a chance for artists to speak out and be heard
22nd August 2007

After an extremely successful forum in Melbourne on Sunday, attended by over 200 local artists, the “Your Shout” Arts Forums with Shadow Federal Arts Minister, and ex-Midnight Oil frontman, Peter Garrett come to Sydney next week with the next event in the series to be [announced] at Belvoir Street Theatre.

The “Your Shout” forums have been instigated by Garrett and Federal Labor to give artists and arts supporters a chance to tell Peter what they think the ALP should be doing for the arts and artists in Australia.

The free forums have been organised by film director and producer Robert Connolly (Romulus my father, The Bank) and playwright and arts worker Alex Broun, who is Artistic co-ordinator of Short & Sweet at The Arts Centre in Melbourne, and all arts practitioners and arts supporters are welcome.

Come along and hear Peter give an insight into the ALP's Arts Policy - and put in your two cents worth on what you think the ALP should be doing for the arts and artists in Australia. Get your point of view heard!

“Your Shout”
Arts Forum with Peter Garrett, Shadow Federal Arts Minister
Date: [TBA]
Time: [TBA]
Location: Belvoir Street Theatre
Street: 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills, Sydney.

Look forward to seeing you there.

PS: IF YOU ARE GOING TO COME ALONG WOULD YOU MIND RSVPING TO abroun[@ SYMBOL]bigpond.net.au SO I GET AN IDEA OF NUMBERS. OR JUST TURN UP ON THE DAY. THANK YOU.

Bw,
Alex Broun
Convenor
Your Shout

Acting Arts Minister John Hatzistergos today announced the Iemma Government has cut red tape to make it easier for film-makers in NSW, through changes to planning laws... Article

The Australian: Hollywood hiatus a bonanza
16th August 2007, Michael Bodey

AUSTRALIA is on track for a record level of foreign film and television production this year... The same can't be said of NSW, where even local TV production is down. "Sydney crews seem to have become frequent flyers," says one bureaucrat... Article

The Australian: The blockbuster express
4th July 2007, Sandy George

LAST May the federal Government radically reorganised the way it supports Australian films. Under a new funding regime announced in the budget, producers will be eligible for a hefty 40 per cent rebate for every dollar they spend in Australia... Article

SMH: The art of giving … and taking away
20th June 2007, Joyce Morgan

AFTER weeks of speculation, reaction to a 6 per cent cut to the state's arts budget was mixed. While some described the budget as tough, others believed it was better than anticipated... Article

SMH: Other states embarrass NSW funding
14th June 2007, Joyce Morgan

THE drama producer Brett Popplewell lives in Sydney but it is about eight years since he worked here. Not since his Water Rats days. He is more likely to be found at work in Queensland or Victoria... Article

SMH: The lights are on but nobody's at home in the city without a clue
13th June 2007, Jacob Saulwick

AMONG the world's centres of commerce, Sydney is a desert for ideas and creativity... Article

SMH: Film exodus sparks fear
11th June 2007, Christine Sams

If there was a state of origin contest for filmmaking, this year's results would be looking decidedly shaky for NSW... Article

Filming restrictions during the APEC event
10th June 2007

Linked is the APEC information sent out to location managers and production companies concerning permissions of filming in the city of Sydney within the duration of the APEC event.

permitting_during_apec.doc

Get The Cameras Bowling
1st June 2007

A great turnout to the NSWFMG social get together - Get the camera's bowling! (Left) Winners of the bowls final... More

Interesting May Articles
30th May 2007

Four new interesting film industry articles added to the media page... More

NSWFMG SOCIAL GET TOGETHER - “GET THE CAMERAS BOWLING”
12th May 2007

On Sunday, 27th May 2007 NSW FMG will be holding a Get Together. All members, family and friends are welcome to come along to a Function to Update, Debate, Eat, Drink and Barefoot Bowl! At South Coogee Bowling Club at 11am.

Put this date in your diaries NOW !

We thought it timely to get together and talk about our progress and future as a Group, find out more about the issues our membership is interested in – and just have a great day to catch up with everyone.

Get your team of 4 organised and barefoot now. RSVP by replay email, or SMS your name to 0419 994 198 as we need catering numbers for the club.

NSWFMG meeting with The Department Of State & Regional Development (DSRD)
May 2007

On the 20th of March and the 12th of April 2007 a group of members having been meeting with the Director General of the Department of State and Regional Development (Mr Loftus Harris) and his colleagues to pursue our push for more active participation by the Department in our industry.

The Department does seem to acknowledge that NSW has quickly fallen behind in attracting film activity to the state and we do feel that they are willing to do something about it.

We are currently developing some ideas with them to turn our situation around. This may need your co-operation via surveys and information and we’ll keep you abreast as best we can.

NSW ELECTION RESULTS
May 2007

Thank you to all members that wrote to their local member, Arts Minister or Premier Iemma – it did make a difference...

We have received many responses to our letter outlining the “4 points” which went to all Parliamentarians. These “4 points” - Tax Incentives, NSW FTO funding increase, Film “Ombudsmen” and the Local Filming Protocol have been our primary push.

As we are all aware, the Labour Government under Premier Morris Iemma won our NSW State Election, and Mr Frank Sartor has kept his original portfolio of Planning Minister but in addition has the role of MINSITER FOR ARTS. Mr Sartor certainly is a high profile personality and the NSWFMG hope to be meeting with his office in the very near future.

MEDIA ARTICLES OF INTEREST
May 2007

See the media page for all updated film industry news, from now on articles will be linked as soon they come to hand. Of particular interest are the articles from the SMH on the 5th May "Down south, it’s a totally different culture" and on the 10th April "Sydney, the wallflower city", also the articles from the AFI newsletter on Brian Rosen and Robert Connolly’s view on the future of film-making in this country.

MEMBERSHIP NOW ON-LINE
8th May 2007

Know someone who wants to come to the Get Together but they are not a member? Now you can simply join online OR you can still download a form and send it in.

We’ve got well over 500 members but we’re really aiming for a 1,000 membership organisation. This will really make our pollies take note.

Our Group is open to ANYONE interested in making NSW a more active film-making state so encourage your colleagues to participate in developing our industry even more.

Movie Extra Filmink Awards 2007
7th May 2007

As a member of the Australian film industry, Filmink are extending a special rate offer for you to purchse tickets to the 2007 Movie Extra Filmink Awards.... More

Tax carrot to get film cameras rolling (SMH, John Garnaut and Garry Maddox)
20th April 2007

THE Federal Government will come to the aid of filmmakers in the budget with tax rebates worth as much as 40 per cent of production costs, after the industry suffered its slowest production year since the early 1990s... More

Tax help in frame for film industry (The Australian, Michael Bodey)
19th April 2007

A NEW tax rebate scheme aimed at sparking Australian film, television and documentary production is set to be the main initiative of the federal Government's review of film funding... More

Australia set to score $150m deal for war epic (SMH, Rachel Browne)
8th April 2007

THE multimillion dollar sequel to Steven Spielberg's acclaimed World War II series, Band Of Brothers, is bound for Australia. Production of the sequel, titled The Pacific, is expected to be confirmed this month... More

FTO's Aurora 2007 intensive script development program (FTO)
14th March 2007

Four new feature film scripts have been selected for Aurora 2007, the intensive script development program run by the New South Wales Film and Television Office (FTO), including films to be directed by leading Australian filmmakers Fred Schepisi and Nadia Tass... More

New Website
20th March 2007

The new site has been uploaded, we hope you like it! Please send any feedback to web@nswfmg.com.au and also check out the new Gallery page.

Template Letter
13th March 2007

If members would like a copy of the template pollies letter that was sent out with the stickers please email the office at info@nswfmg.com.au.

NSW STATE ELECTION / POLITICS NEWS
8th March 2007

Firstly, let’s put some final pressure on the pollies in the run up to the March 24th STATE ELECTION

SEND YOUR LETTERS OFF NOW! A personal experience letter always works best but at the request of some members, we’ve drafted a template letter which you will have received with your sticker mail out. You’ll also find it at the end of this newsletter.

The Premier, Morris Iemma
Level 40 Governor Macquarie Tower,
1 Farrer Place,
SYDNEY NSW 2000

Not sure who your member is? The link to the NSW parliamentary website:
http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/members.nsf/V3Home

POLITICIANS PACKAGE
8th March 2007

We have now completed a mailout of a NSW FMG Immediate Action Plan document -- sent to ALL MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT -- in the lead-up to the election. This is a simple, straightforward document for our time-starved politicians to read outlining what NSW FMG sees as the major issues that need addressing.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
8th March 2007

As a voluntary organisation, we’re looking for more of you out there that can give some time to the group? Ideas for PR/ Sponsorship, Useful contacts, etc, or just some time for administration would be greatly appreciated. Contact: info@nswfmg.com.au

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
8th March 2007

Take a look at the Membership list (newly updated on website) and find out who of your colleagues haven’t considered it necessary to become a member of the FMG. Give them a call, tell them on set, send them this email and tell them about the Group.

Articles
8th March 2007

Three new articles have been added to the media page. SMH 12th Feb 07: A Sluggish state needs its mojo, Australian 22nd Feb 07: Paramount gets an outing and States swarm Sundance to tout film incentives

Bumper Stickers
28th February 2007

"Keep the cameras rolling in NSW"

This is our new “sexy” slogan which we have adopted in the lead up to the State Election on March 24th. We are currently have completed a mail out to all members with their bumper stickers – please put them on your vehicles and help spread the word. If you do not receive your sticker by the 10th March, contact us on info@nswfmg.com.au. After the initial mail out, the stickers will go out with new Membership registrations. Members can also request additional stickers for Location vehicles by contacting us by e-mail.

A new webmaster for the NSWFMG website
26th February 2007

Due to work commitments and an ever decreasing amount of spare time I will be handing over the webmaster duties of the NSWFMG website and web Forum in February 07.

I hope the website continues to be a hub of knowledge, and an embracing medium between filmmakers of all denominations . I'm sure with someone at the helm, with a bit more free time than myself , you will see even greater returns from www.nswfmg.com.au

I wish them all the best, and hope to see you all on set soon!

Regards

Paul Arnott

Oscar for "Happy Feet"
25th February 2006

George Miller receives an Oscar for best animation "Happy Feet", the Australian made digital animation at Animal Logic in Sydney. Congratulations to all the cast and crew.

Back to Business in 2007
1st January 2007

So the new year rolls in with something of a resurgence of work in Sydney: The Bazmark feature “Australia” is into preproduction at Fox Studios, various small features are raising their heads, and overseas commercials are here to take advantage of summer. While the NSWFMG welcomes the fact that a number of our members are busy we implore you ALL to maintain the pressure on the pollies in the run-up to the March 24th STATE ELECTION.

What we HAVE to achieve is a SUSTAINABLE FILM INDUSTRY, bolstered by Government and Local Council SUPPORT and INCENTIVES. The time is ripe: The Film Industry has a profile among the politicians at present and we must take advantage.

WRITE TO YOUR LOCAL MEMBER, PREMIERS OFFICE and OPPOSITION.
We ask (again) for each and every member to write a short letter to Morris Iemma, comprising your view of the state of the film industry in NSW. Please post it to him as soon as possible at:

The Premier, Morris Iemma
Level 40 Governor Macquarie Tower,
1 Farrer Place,
SYDNEY NSW 2000

This ensures that the issue of the state of the industry gets on to the agenda at the highest level of State Government. Just in time for the elections. Copy the letter to your MP as well, and double the exposure! For those of you who have already written, thank you. For those of you who have yet to contact your representatives here is the link to the NSW parliamentary website:
http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/members.nsf/V3Home

FMG MEETING WITH VERITY FIRTH (Labour Candidate for Balmain)
On Thursday, 18th Jan. the NSWFMG met with Verity Firth who is contesting the Balmain Electorate and who wished to discuss our industry and to view the Canal Road Film Centre. (5% of Balmain’s constituents are either directly or indirectly involved in the Film Industry). We had a successful meeting with Verity and she was pleased to be updated on the state of filming in NSW. After the meeting she was taken on a tour of the Canal Road Facility by Suzy Carter of Hero rocks, Ray Porter from Empire Films and Katherine Nicholls from Who Dares.

NSWFMG IN THE SMH
Reports of our meeting with the Independent Members of Parliament last year were used to bookend an article on the Independents in the Sydney Morning Herald’s weekend edition for January 13th – 14th this year. The full text of the article will be posted on our website as soon as possible.

NSW FILM & TELEVISION OFFICE (FTO) ANNOUNCE NEW CEO
The FTO has announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive for the FTO, following Jane Smith’s retirement. Tania Chambers comes to the FTO from Screen West in Perth and is highly respected in the industry. NSWFMG welcomes Tania and looks forward to open discussions regarding incentives, plans and approaches our organizations can achieve together in the lead up to the State Election and beyond. For more information follow the link below.
http://www.fto.nsw.gov.au/content.asp?content=3&Id=417

REFUNDABLE TAX OFFSET – FEDERAL REVIEW RELEASED
Copy the address below into the address area of your browser to find the relevant page.
http://www.dcita.gov.au/arts_culture/consultation_and_submissions/statutory_review_of_the_offset
In the In This Section on the right hand side you will be able to read the Report of the Refundable Film Tax Offset review and if you click on the Refundable film tax offset review submissions you will also be able to see what all the interested parties submitted – including the NSWFMG submission. Threadgold Plummer Hood’s submission is well worth a look.

NSWFMG submission:
http://www.dcita.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/51679/NSW_Film_Makers_Group.pdf

Threadgold Plummer Hood submission:
http://www.dcita.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/51889/Threadgold_Plummer_Hood.pdf

REVIVING FILM IN SYDNEY: LEARNING FROM NEW YORK?
New York has undergone a remarkable reversal as a film location, and is now chock a block with prestigious productions. The number of films being shot in New York doubled from 2002 to 2006. The article below details some of the incentives their film office, under Commissioner Katherine Oliver, have put in place. Perhaps Sydney could follow suit?

N.Y.'s Action Brings Lights, Cameras
By COLIN MINER Special to the Sun January 22, 2007

When the Academy Award nominations are announced tomorrow, chances are films made in New York will be among the possible honorees. Film and television production in New York City reached record levels in 2006, according to the Mayor's Office of Film, Theater, and Broadcasting.
There were a record 34,718 shooting days on public property for some 276 films, a 10% increase from the year before and more than double the number in 2002, according to the head of the office, Commissioner Katherine Oliver.

She added that the industry employs some 100,000 New Yorkers and contributes about $5 billion to the city's economy each year.

It was dark days for movie making in New York when Ms. Oliver took over office in 2002. For example, a made-for-television movie about Mayor Giuliani that was supposed to highlight his and the city's greatness following the attacks of September 11, 2001, was shot in Montreal. Regarding the Olsen twins "New York Minute," Ms. Oliver said: "We were lucky if they were even here for a minute. They faked New York up in Toronto." "I understand that for a variety of reasons productions set here have to occasionally film elsewhere," Ms. Oliver told The New York Sun. "Our job is to make sure that happens less and less."

Not only has it been happening less, more films set elsewhere have been filming in New York City. A recent case in point is "The Good Shepherd," directed by Robert De Niro. Although not one scene takes place in New York, about 80% of the film was shot at places such as Bronx Community College, Emigrant Savings Bank, the Bedford Academy in Crown Heights, and the Brooklyn Armory. "Our job is to showcase our city and provide a one-stop shop for productions, whether they plan to be here long-term or just for the day," according to Ms. Oliver. Ms. Oliver points to the Made in New York program, which provides a tax credit, free advertising on bus shelters and phone kiosks, and a vendor discount card for helping to drive the movie industry's rebound in the city. It was developed in response to tax breaks offered by other cities that were leading to New York-based films being shot elsewhere. Some of the city's more established filmmakers add that the Made in New York program is an example of the Bloomberg administration's commitment to building up the industry. "They've really rewritten the rules, and now a New York movie can be made on location in New York," the co-founder of Miramax, Harvey Weinstein, current co-chairman of the Weinstein Company, told the Sun.

A co-producer of director Martin Scorsese's "The Departed," which was mostly shot in New York though it was set entirely in Massachusetts, Rick Schwartz, told the Sun the situation has changed dramatically under Ms. Oliver. "We shot most of ‘The Aviator' on stages in Montreal for the Canadian tax rebates. Shooting in New York was barely even considered, as the financial and logistical ramifications were both too prohibitive," he said, referring to Mr. Scorsese's previous film. "Amere two years later, there was an entirely new program in place from the mayor's office with incredible tax incentives and, almost as significantly, a sense of, ‘We want you here, and we'll do whatever it takes to help you,'" he said. "That's a big change from the days of feeling like a nuisance because you're shutting down a block in the West Village for the night." Ms. Oliver said she tries to remain very aware of the "inconvenience" issue. "No one likes to come home and find their block cordoned off," she said. For "The Departed," Mr. Schwartz said, "We shot in and around an armory in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, with arguably some of the most famous personalities in film — Martin Scorsese, Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio , and Matt Damon. During months of shooting — amid a sea of chasidim —there were no paparazzi, no hassles, no obstacles. Just a few gentle questions from a couple of little girls in long skirts if that was the boy from ‘Titanic.'" It wasn't: They were pointing to Matt Damon.

The increase in production has led to more jobs, which are being filled by a better-educated workforce. A former head writer for "Saturday Night Live," Tina Fey, now the star and executive producer of "30 Rock," points to the crews as one of the three reasons she prefers working in New York to filming on the West Coast. "The food is good, the crews are smart, and I don't have to raise my kid in Los Angeles," she told the Sun.

THE NEW SOUTH WALES FILM MAKERS GROUP
Shed 1, Canal Road Film Center, 1 Canal Road, Leichhardt,NSW.2040.
Phone 02 9561 0069. Fax 02 95610070
SUPPORT OUR LOCAL FILM INDUSTRY. The job you save could be your own!

NSWFMG growing stronger
15th December 2006

Take a look at the Membership page and see what good company you are in being a member of the NSWFMG. For those of you who haven’t been entered as yet, please be patient as there was such an extraordinary response, we are struggling entering all the data. Also, for those of you that have offered to help on Group Initiatives, thank you so very much. Again, please be patient as we are still accumulating our data. We will certainly be in touch soon.

November Newsletter
1st November 2007

All members have received their November Newsletter: Some forwards steps for the NSWFMG, a meeting with 7 independant MP's , and some interesting Press in Novembers update.

NSWFMG Rally
22nd October 2006

We would like thank everyone who helped to make the Rally the success that it was. It was a great show of support from across the board and we now have members from all areas of the film industry. We have put together a photo gallery of the day, thanks to Frank Flick and Geoff Wharton. Rally page

VIRGINIA JUDGE MP
October 2006

This is a very interesting speech, given by Virginia Judge MP (member for Strathfield) in Parliament on the future of the film industry. It focuses mainly on Post Production issues, but it also covers some general industry concerns... More

STATELINE
13th October 2006

This is an interesting transcript from stateline on Friday 13th October. Greg Smith (Animal Logic), Jason Bath (Fuel) and Virginia Judge (member for Strathfield) discuss the problems facing the digital movie industry.... More

Draft State Plan
September 2006

The State Government has released its Draft State Plan. The plan is to span a ten-year period. It will be reviewed at times but will be the guiding document for the State’s future. The Plan covers many points from safety to health, roads, business investment, education and environment. For more information on the Plan and what we can do to help read on... More