Animal Logic co-founder Zareh Nalbandian will chair a new advisory committee aimed at providing guidance to the New South Wales Government on screen and digital gaming needs and making recommendations on investment priorities.
Announced as part of the Screen and Digital Games Industry Act 2025, the committee is made up of Tattaran communications director Bruce Meagher (acting chair), New Canvas co-founder and chief executive Nathan Anderson, Riot Games Sydney, studio president Naresh Hirani, writer/director/producer Andrew Andy Lee, producer Jodi Matterson, NFSA head of Indigenous engagement Gillian Moody, and Spectrum. Josh Pomerantz, Managing Director of Film, Debra Richards, Director of Production Policy for Netflix APAC, and Nick Sinclair, Head of Legal and Business at Curio Pictures.
This expanded the focus of the previous Motion Picture and Television Industry Advisory Committee to include representatives from the digital gaming industry.
The introduction of this legislation and its companion commission was flagged earlier this year in a $380 million package of screen and digital gaming support that is part of the 2025-26 budget.
Other regulatory and legislative reform updates include a new focus on digital gaming, shorter filming approval times, board certification as suitable for film production, access to reasonable fees and locations, state support for local filming, local filming guidance for local governments, and updating and modernizing terminology to reflect current and emerging technologies.
The New South Wales Government has also made changes to Division 4 of the State Environmental Planning Policy, extending the 12-month period during which filming can take place in a particular location from 30 to 90 days before a development application is required.
Arts Minister John Graham said bringing the Screen and Digital Games Industry Act into the 21st century will ensure New South Wales remains a global screen powerhouse.
“New South Wales is the largest contributor to the national film industry, with half of Australia’s film production taking place right here in New South Wales.
“Digital games are an increasingly important part of the screen sector, with 81 per cent of Australians now playing digital games, which is why we have taken the important step of updating the legislation and introducing a new Screen and Digital Games Industry Advisory Council.”
Mr Nalbandian welcomed the broader recognition from the government.
“The work that Minister Graham is advancing will support, strengthen and expand these industries and provide a strong foundation for their continued success,” he said.
“I am delighted to chair the Screen and Digital Games Industry Advisory Council, which brings together respected leaders representing all facets of the industry in Sydney and NSW.”
Screen NSW director Cath Hepworth said the wealth of experience and expertise brought to the committee by members was “extraordinary”.
“Their guidance and industry know-how will be invaluable as we continue to support both sectors, create new opportunities and drive long-term sustainable growth for NSW,” she said.
