US trade representative Jamieson Greer has assigned the national cultural policy of Australia’s impending “resurrection.”
Australia has been appointed as one of several governments that “undercut” the US film industry, according to a social media post by the US best trade officials.
On May 23, US trade representative Jamie Songlia wrote about the Trump administration’s efforts to appoint a “special ambassador to Hollywood” to kickstart the initiative and bring big-budget Hollywood productions back to onshore.
“Many blockbusters have been filmed in Canada, Croatia, France, New Zealand and several other countries, offering generous incentives, but overall US production has declined by 26% compared to 2021.”
Greer named the Australian Labour Government’s impending national cultural policy “resurrection.”
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“Australia’s National Cultural Policy, released in January 2023, recommends that streaming video services impose Australian screen content requirements,” he said.
According to Greer, these rules could lead a US platform that spends between $220 million and $440 million a year in Australia, not in the US.
Hollywood sign in Los Angeles on November 16th, 2005. David McNew/Getty Images
What is your current quota?
Content allocation requires a broadcasting station and a digital platform to invest or broadcast a specified amount of local content intended to maintain the local culture.
Revive Heark repeats a production spending model in which streaming companies must spend a portion of their locally derived revenues at 30% on the largest platform in Australian drama.
Another proposal requires 10% to be invested in new local productions, which could later rise to 20%. The policy is under development.
The Epoch Times contacted Tony Burke, Minister of Arts and Culture for the latest response, but did not receive a response in time for publication.
During the Senate estimates in May 2024, Ministry of Communications officials confirmed that the proposal for reconstruction was still being improved prior to Cabinet consideration.
The issue was hit by obstacles when trade experts and industry representatives raised concerns that the proposed quota could violate the terms of the Australian-State Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA).
Previous Australian responses
Australia’s Washington Ambassador and former Labor Prime Minister Kevin Rudd recently flagged concerns about 100% tariffs on imported films.
Speaking on a public forum, Rudd warned that such a move could hinder cultural exchange.
“I don’t want to see taxes on Blue,” he said.
Meanwhile, some local experts are concerned about the impact they have on Australian industry, given their heavily dependent on US production.
“The impact on Australia is quick and serious. States such as New South Wales and Queensland have captivated major international projects such as Thor and Thunder, Elvis, Shanch, Tenring legend, and the Autumn Man, said Mike Seymour, a visual effects expert for Fall Man, and Fall Man, and a lecturer at the University of Sydney.
“These productions inject millions into the local economy and support a wide network of work in everything from set design and location services to visual effects and post-production.
“If Australian screen content is under pressure due to the rise of global streamers and the decline in free broadcasts, these international partnerships are more important than ever.”
