Page 1363 - Week 04 - Thursday, 30 March 2017

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MR PETTERSSON: Can the minister please outline what are the benefits to the ACT in supporting screen artists and productions?

MR RAMSAY: I thank Mr Pettersson for the supplementary. High profile, commercially acclaimed TV productions like The Code and Secret City showcase Canberra’s unique architecture and landscapes, an important role for the national capital. Eligible projects for screen production funding are expected to trigger not less than $4 of spending in the ACT for every dollar that has been invested by the government. The project must also have finance partners and market commitment, including things like broadcasting licence or distribution guarantee, which means that the government is backing viable productions that will be seen widely.

In 2015-16 $400,000 was available in the screen production fund. We supported the production of series 2 of the Code, the feature films Joe Cinque’s Consolation and Riptide, and the documentary Oyster.

Ms Berry: On a point of order, Madam Speaker, the conversation is still happening on the opposition benches. The Leader of the Opposition might need to move chairs because he keeps being distracted by members behind him.

MADAM SPEAKER: Thank you, Ms Berry. Can I remind members that standing orders do require the chamber to allow the minister to answer the question without interruption. Minister.

MR RAMSAY: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Another feature film entitled Contained is also under consideration.

Additionally the screen arts fund assists local screen and digital artists to develop projects or improve their own practice across a whole range of media. Leaders and others in their practice contribute not only to the diversity of the Canberra arts landscape but also to the ACT cultural economy. Modelling for the 2015 government report Economic overview of the arts in the ACT showed that broadcasting and the electronic media accounted for nearly half of the total economic contribution of arts and culture to the ACT economy. So investing in screen artists and productions makes great sense for Canberra, both culturally and economically.

MS CODY: Can the minister outline what types of projects are being funded in the 2017 screen arts funding round and which have been the big successes of previous rounds?

MR RAMSAY: I thank Ms Cody for the supplementary question. In 2017 screen arts funding is supporting eight projects, including the development of a TV series, a mobile app game, a feature film script and a documentary, as well as script writing and cinematography mentorships.

In the past couple of years there have been some high profile success stories that have benefited from the ACT screen arts funding, In addition to receiving funding under the screen production fund, the director of Joe Cinque’s Consolation,


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