Screen Industry Unites for Launch of “Make It Australian” Campaign

Four of Australia’s major screen industry players have united to launch the “Make It Australian” campaign, to call for greater funding and a protection of local stories on screen.

The Australian Writers’ Guild (AWG), Australian Directors’ Guild (ADG), the Media, Arts and Entertainment Alliance (MEAA) and Screen Producers Australia (SPA) launched the campaign earlier this week in a series of events Australia-wide.  

The four organisations have combined forces to fight for a number of changes to the screen industry, including a call for obligations to be introduced for local content production by streaming services, such as YouTube, Netflix and Stan; funding support for facilitators of Australian stories, such as the ABC and Screen Australia; checks and balances to ensure commercial broadcasters adhere to quota levels; and the introduction of more competitive tax incentives that encourage production in Australia.

Drawing upon the original “Make It Australian” campaign undertaken in the 1970s, the conglomerate is garnering industry input. The organisations have asked directors, writers, actors, screen crew, technicians and producers to upload a selfie while holding the campaign logo, as a pledge of support.

Kingston Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Directors’ Guild said the campaign comes at a critical moment for the screen industry. Reviews of Australian content are currently underway by the House of Representatives and the Department of Communications, Screen Australia and the Australian Communications and Media Authority.

“We must ensure Australian stories are seen on all our screens – big and small – and that the unique Australian voice is heard for generations to come,” he says.

For more information on the Make It Australian campaign, visit: makeitaustralian.com/take-action