“We’ve identified a way to cut through the red tape that has kept New South Wales in a ‘no’ state when it comes to attracting production. With the introduction of the New South Wales Screen and Digital Gaming Act, we aim to make New South Wales a ‘yes’ state. ”
NSW’s screen and digital gaming strategy comes at a critical time, with some in the local sector sounding the alarm about a devastating shortage of skilled film staff and a chronic undersupply of soundstage and production space in Sydney. It has landed on.
Industry officials say infrastructure bottlenecks are delaying key production or forcing it to move between states and overseas.
Streaming giant Netflix has been searching for a home in Sydney for years, while the National Institute of Dramatic Arts, a training facility for film technicians and creators, has found itself confined to its Kensington campus.
At the same time, Queensland and Western Australia are actively working to attract work from New South Wales, with 14 new sound studios set to be operational in these states from 2026. Disney currently manages nine studios at Moore Park.
The new strategy is committed to partnering with the private sector to explore alternative options for a second studio, addressing a critical lack of recognized filming infrastructure in New South Wales, but will require new redevelopment. We have not yet specified the location or schedule for the event.
The government has already heralded more regular access to Karan Park’s production company.
It will also support plans for a Screen Culture and Digital Innovation Center that will become a hub for creative workers across the industry.
Disney+ Australian original ‘The Artful Dodger’ filming location: Bunya Productions’ Gregor Cameron and Greer Simpkin, NSW Arts Minister John Graham, Curio Productions’ Joe Porter and Head of Screen NSW Cath Hepworth. Credit: Edwina Pickles
The Minns Government is keen to build bridges after relations with the sector soured over $60 million in film funding cuts announced last year. After protests, funding was restored.
Last Friday, a departmental restructuring was announced that would separate Screen NSW and Sound NSW from the arts agency Create NSW, reducing it to grant making, some policy development and infrastructure. It was done.
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Screen NSW is currently under the direction of Acting Deputy Commissioner Michael Rodriguez, who serves as the 24-hour Economic Commissioner.
The department hopes a more independent Screen NSW will be able to more sensitively address gaps in key roles such as line producer, art director and visual effects specialist.
As the workforce ages and the proportion of women declines, the industry is concerned that these issues could seriously impact future production capacity.
To this end, we are working with TAFE, the National Institute of Dramatic Arts and the Australian School of Film, Television and Radio to develop a pilot program to rapidly develop entry-level and mid-career creators to address the skills gap. $1 million has been pledged to do so.
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