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NT Film Office

BackgroundThe NT Film Office was an initiative of the Northern Territory government in 2002/03, and was established as a business unit of the Department of Community Development Sport and Cultural Affairs, under the Arts and Museums division. In the re-shuffle following the 2005 Territory election, Arts and Museums, including the NT Film Office, became part of the newly created Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts.

The Film Office was established with $250,000 per year for three years to June 2006 for operations and two staff (a Director and an Administration Officer); and a Screen Grants Program of $50,000 in 2003-2004, $100,000 in 2004-2005 and $150,000 in 2005-2006 (which was increased to $200,000 in the 2005 budget). The three-year total allocation for the operations and activity of the NT Film Office was $1.1M.

Establishment and AdministrationDuring 2003 and 2004 Arts NT was responsible for establishing the Office and appointing the Administrative Officer and a temporary Project Officer in lieu of a Director. The search for a Director took twelve months. The inaugural Director, Penelope McDonald, was appointed to the NT Film Office in July 2004 and the Office opened in Alice Springs that month.

By the end of 2004 the NT Film Office had held meetings with local industry members, and met with interstate industry representatives in NSW, in Qld at the annual Screen Producers’ Association of Australia Conference, and in WA for the annual Australian International Documentary Conference.

Screen Grants ProgramFor the first two years of operations, the Screen Grants Program was administered by Arts NT, and decisions regarding applications were made by the Arts Grants Board. During 2004 NT Film Office staff provided assessments and recommendations to the Arts Grants Board which made the final decisions. In 2005 applications were externally assessed, prior to NT Film Office recommendations to the Board. In November 2005 the NT Film Office appointed a two-member professional panel to provide industry specific expertise to the decision making process. Arts NT staff retain responsibility for the administration of the grants.

Photo courtesy of Burrundi Pictures

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The NTFO Industry Survey 2004

In late 2004, the NT Film Office conducted a survey of known Territory practitioners to gain baseline information about the screen industry in the NT. This was The NT Film Office Industry Survey 2004. It included questions regarding the numbers of people involved, where they were based, broad indications of annual turnover, the types of programming being produced, skills levels and training.

The data gathered was intended to give detailed information about the Territory industry and to provide a foundation for directing operations to support and grow the industry in the NT. The survey was sent out to over 280 individuals and more than 70 completed surveys were returned. Additional data was gathered through telephone conversations and in-person interviews.

The statistics unveiled by the survey reflect a greater potential in the Territory industry than was envisaged prior to establishing the NT Film Office. Territory industry members described a vibrant and dynamic screen industry “waiting to explode”.1

The survey revealed that the NT industry turnover2 in 2003/04 was over $38M, and that the industry was made up of:

• More than 500 people (not including remote community Indigenous video makers)• In excess of 200 independents • 104 public broadcaster employees (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)• More than 150 commercial broadcaster employees (Channel 9, Channel 7, Imparja)• 30+ small to medium companies (2-15 employees)

1 NTFO Industry Survey 2004 respondent2 This figure represents the average of the aggregate of turnover figures from Survey responses and consultations with industry members. The figure does not include the Territory expenditure of interstate and international production companies filming in the Territory (e.g. $3m was spent in NT by the feature film Kangaroo Jack in 2003).3 NTFO Industry Survey 2004 respondent

Most [Territory] operators have had to learn a number of skills because they are one-person

operations… while it’s harder to do it all yourself, if it comes to the

crunch we can… and do .3

Redstorm crew on location, Central AustraliaPhoto courtesy of CAAMA Productions

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The survey also revealed that Territorians are involved in a wide range of screen industry activities, some creating:

• feature films • shorts (5-15 minute films) • interactive media • television programming • documentaries • educational programming• language and cultural maintenance programs • commercials and promotional videos, including music videos;

Others supplied technical expertise including sourcing footage and stills photography, providing talent and casting services, and locations scouting.

Such a diverse range of activity reveals the skills-base operating in the Territory and reflects the healthy “can-do” approach of many Territorian film, television and digital media professionals.

Whilst this pro-active and innovative approach is a feature of the wider screen industry, it is particularly well developed in the Territory and it is highly successful. Data from The NT Film Office Industry Survey 2004 revealed a $5M increase, to $38M, in industry annual turnover for the period 1999-2004. This figure does not include the Territory expenditure from incoming productions on crew, trades and other good and services, and it is therefore likely that the NT screen industry is worth more than $38M to the Territory economy.

The Territory Screen Industry

The broad brushstroke data collated from The NT Film Office Industry Survey 2004 provided the basis for the NT Film Office to build a picture of the nature and strengths of the Territory’s screen industry. From meetings and discussions with industry it became apparent that the Territory and its screen industry can boast a range of strengths:

• High quality talent • English language production• ‘New kid on the block’ status• Increasing world-wide attention and

recognition.• Diverse cultures• Proximity to Asia• Unique and varied locations• Excellent filming weather

Territory film Five Seasons,Photo courtesy of CAAMA Productions

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Opportunities

Some of the attributes of the Territory and its screen industry are particular to the NT and provide solid opportunities for the economic development of the screen industry and the social and economic benefit of the Territory.

Indigenous PopulationThe NT has Australia’s largest per capita Indigenous population and the Territory’s Indigenous filmmakers are amongst the most successful and prolific Indigenous film makers in Australia. Their work represents some of the most internationally acclaimed Australian film of recent years and is attracting international attention for its technical skill and visual beauty. In turn this is exciting interest in the Territory as a destination.

National broadcasters and film makers are actively pursuing Territory Indigenous content, excited by the depth and expression of Indigenous stories, and the innovation of Indigenous productions.

Indigenous Territorians themselves see the screen industries providing opportunities and benefits.

Creating VisionIn May 2006, the NT Film Office held the first NT Indigenous Screen Industry Workshop to generate a vision for the future of the Indigenous sector with a specific focus on remote communities. Participants came from across the NT, including representatives from all of the Territory’s Indigenous Media Associations.

Discussions during the three-day event were firmly focussed on opportunities to work in the media industry for real economic outcomes. Many of the participants had worked in the industry for between 10 and 25 years, often for no recognition and no money other than the occasional CDEP6 wage. Despite this, all participants were passionate about media and using media for a variety of economic and cultural ends. One participant, in describing his 25 year involvement and passion, said “If I am out of fresh water, I’ll drink salt”.

The event also highlighted that the Territory has been at the forefront of Indigenous media in Australia for the past 30 years, including being the location of the first Indigenous Production House in Australia (CAAMA), and the first Indigenous-owned and operated commercial TV station (Imparja).

4 Sue Maslin, Gecko Films, Producer, Japanese Story5 Ngaanyatjarra Media on PY Media web site www.waru.org6 Community Development and Employment Project, a federally funded ‘work-for-the-dole’ scheme active on remote Indigenous communities since 1977 and accounting for over ¼ of Indigenous employment nationally

“I personally think that Indigenous films are the most exciting film making coming out of Australia. 4”

“Media is one of the most powerful tools for cultural maintenance. We have the choice to empower ourselves and strengthen our sense of identity, cultural ownership and self worth… we are able to celebrate what is special

about who we are and where we are. 5”

Creating Vision, participants at the first NT Indigenous Screen Industry Workshop, May 2006. Photo Courtesy of L.Andren

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Asian ProximityThe Asian cinema industry is rapidly changing and developing, and is attracting international investment. Following the highly successful Singapore-based Asia TV Forum in 2005 (attended by a Territory filmmaker with a grant from the NT Film Office), the national screen industry sent a large delegation to Hong Kong and to Beijing in early 2006 to develop business relationships in this immense market.

The Territory is in pole position to tap into these new Asian markets and there is an established and growing interest among Territorians involved in the screen industry in developing co-productions with Asian companies. Forming partnerships with Asian markets now also gives the Territory a far better chance of continuing to supply high quality skills and interesting content. The considerable differences between the industries in Australia and Asia suggest substantial benefits can be achieved by negotiating good co-production treaties at this stage.8

7 NTFO Industry Survey 2004 respondent8 House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, From reel to unreal: future opportunities for Australia’s film,

animation, special effects and electronic games industries, June 20049 Hugh Marks, CEO of Southern Star Entertainment & Tony Skinner, Australian TV Producer

Simon Says TV Crew on location at Changi Prison, Singapore.

Photo courtesy of Simon Says TV

Andrew Hyde and John Bradley on location in Hong Kong.

Photo courtesy of Exposure Productions

“We would love to get into Asia a lot more…Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei… 7”

“The Asian television production market continues to present new opportunities…

the current resurgence of media and broadcast companies in the region is

testimony to a strong future. 9”

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Digital Media PotentialThe rise of digital technology has revolutionised the screen industry worldwide. Digital media has been described as the “new millennium” of the screen industry, with strong export dollar earning opportunities.10

The digital media are highly specialised, but because this sector of the industry deals in the ‘virtual’ it can often operate outside the more physically based traditional film and television industries.12

This factor makes it ideal for Territory conditions, being highly mobile and flexible, potentially reducing shoot-time and production costs as well as reliance on large post-production facilities. Tom Kennedy, the Chair of the Digital Content Industry Action Group (DCITA) illustrated this point at a forum in Darwin in June 2006, describing how one filmmaker had shot and edited a feature film entirely on his mobile phone.

Screen content for digital applications is in demand everywhere. Both Emma Sommerville, BBC’s head of interactive digital television, and Patrick Delany, Foxtel’s head of digital, believe that it is not technology, but content that is the key to success in the digital media.13 This focus on content provides the Territory with opportunities to capitalise on the rich and diverse wellspring of Territory stories.

Territorians and the NT Film Office are already involved in generating digital products, including Lumbuk- Where There’s Smoke, an innovative cross-media project combining Aboriginal art with the Japanese ‘Manga’ style animation; and the highly successful UsMob project of 2005.

10 Peter Broderick, President Paradigm Films and Patron of SPAA Fringe, speaking at SPAA Fringe 2002 11 Peter Broderick, President Paradigm Films and Patron of SPAA Fringe, speaking at SPAA Fringe 2002 12 Ibid., House of Representatives Standing Committee13 Michael Idato, Digital Daze, The Age, March 17, 2005

“If you are new to filmmaking and thinking about traditional film, you are ignoring the future. The future is digital and anyone working with old technology will be left behind.11”

Award winning Territory short film Green Bush. Photo courtesy of CAAMA Productions

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Tourism One spin off from the screen industry is the awareness created through film of the people and places depicted.

Tim Cossar, CEO of Positively Wellington Tourism, said the huge international profile of The Lord of the Rings was having a massive effect on both New Zealand and Wellington’s tourism. He described the marketing value of the film as “absolutely priceless.14”

The Scottish Tourist Board estimated the value of free tourism advertising from the high-profile release of the films Braveheart and Rob Roy to be the equivalent of $28M. Their research indicated that 50% of tourists questioned cited the films as increasing their awareness of Scotland as a holiday destination, and 60% of these noted the “spectacular scenery” as the reason for their interest.15

Increasing interest in Indigenous Territorian stories, and the success of Indigenous Territorian films overseas, indicate positive synergies between Indigenous Territorian film and Territory tourism. Other Territorians are already accessing these markets with films that promote the Territory.

NT Film Office Activities

The NT Film Office was established to support, develop and grow the NT screen industry; to act as a local industry resource, encouraging and facilitating better service delivery; to build networks with national and international industry representatives and bodies; and to act as an industry advocate.

During the establishment phase, the NT Film Office has worked to strategically position the NT industry in the national and international focus. The NT Film Office has developed a database of the local industry, and a web presence, and has established the NT industry as part of the national industry through membership of the Screen Finance Group and Ausfilm.16 The NT Film Office has also represented the NT industry at national and international industry events, including SPAA and AIDC, and facilitated local industry members to attend these and other important markets, conferences and summits.

14 http://www.nzine.co.nz/views/lord_of_the_rings.html15 Scottish Screen, Scottish Screen Data, 3rd Edition, 199616 Ausfilm is the national screen industry body for promoting Australia as a film production destination. Each state screen agency is a member. Ausfilm maintains an

Australian presence in USA, Europe and Asia.

Australian feature Rogue. Photo Courtesy of Emu Creek Pictures

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Day to day activities of the NT Film Office are focussed on providing direct and indirect support to the local screen industry, including:

• responding to requests from local industry members• providing specific assistance and development to local industry members• operating the Screen Grants Program including an advisory panel• responding to government requests for advice and information• processing state and federal agency requests for information and advice• processing incoming production requests • preparing submissions to government for increasing allocations• promoting the NT and the NT screen industry in media and industry environments• developing strategic initiatives including co-productions • keeping abreast of changes in the broader industry environment • providing regular updates to industry via an email newsletter

Increasing awareness of the presence of the NT Film Office in the local, national and international industries has directly corresponded to increasing and diverse activity for the NT Film Office.

Over the past three years, and particularly during 2005 and 2006, the NT Film Office has received an increasing number of local production requests and has seen a jump in the number of applications for Screen Grants and other government funding each year.

Requests from inbound production companies for locations advice and other services are increasing exponentially. In 2005-06 alone there were in excess of 30 inbound production requests, ranging in scale from Japanese music videos to Baz Luhrmann’s Untitled Australian Epic. Some of these requests have been initially advised by NT Film Office staff, most have been passed on to Territory industry professionals (eg locations scouts) providing income to members of the local industry.

In response to this increase in demand, the NT Film Office established an Inter Agency Film Task Force within the NT Government to assist with production logistics.

Spin-Off Effects of NT Film Office ActivitiesPart of the NT Film Office’s development and support of the NT screen industry is to facilitate local industry projects to leverage funding from other screen industry funding bodies. This occurs through funding film makers to attend industry events and markets, seed-funding Territory projects, and putting film makers in contact with national and international funding bodies and distributors. During 2005 and 2006 the NT Film Office supported five Territory film makers to obtain a total of over $500,000 from the AFC and FFC to develop projects.

Territory film makers have received other benefits from NT Film Office activity. One Indigenous filmmaker gained skills on a short film in 2004 and went on to work on a range of short animations that were then broadcast on the ABC.

On the set of Us Mob, Central Australia.Photo courtesy of Us Mob Pty Ltd