State |
Drama $ |
Documentaries $ |
Victoria |
842,967 |
2,897,750 |
New South Wales |
4,045.942 |
5,252.053 |
South Australia |
966,255 |
204,062 |
Western Australia |
354,700 |
682,356 |
Queensland |
488,899 |
376,504 |
Norther Territory |
75,000 |
34,000 |
Tasmania |
58,000 | |
ACT |
115,000 | |
TOTAL |
6,773,763 |
9,556,555 |
The figures illustrate a definite centralisation of SBS Independent activity in Sydney. In summary the figures indicate:
· New South Wales received 60% of the drama budget, compared to 12% in Victoria; and
· despite the Documentaries Commissioning Editor being located in Melbourne, 55% of the budget was spent in New South Wales and 30% in Victoria.
SBS management advised the Committee that SBSI relies on individual film makers to submit proposals after initial advertising by SBSI.
Mr Cavanagh - We are in the hands of independent film-makers and their submissions to us. SBS Independent, as is all of SBS Television, is driven by creative considerations rather than geographic considerations and the projects are all assessed on their merits.123
- FINDING
The Committee finds it difficult to accept that in view of Victoria's vibrant and successful film and television production industry, it is unable to receive a greater share of SBS Independent funding.
RECOMMENDATION 25
The Committee recommends that SBS Independent develop a strategy aimed at soliciting submissions from drama and documentary producers on a more even geographical basis. In order to ensure funds are not centralised in Sydney, SBS Independent should be encouraged to promote productions from all over Australia.
RECOMMENDATION 26
The Committee recommends that Cinemedia liaise with SBS Independent to ensure that Victoria is well represented in future SBSI drama and documentary productions.
123 Minutes of Evidence, 9/3/99, p. 682
