Through the Lens to 2016
Transcription
Through the Lens to 2016
A strategic direction for Screen Tasmania’s support of the Tasmanian Screen industry www.screentasmania.com Through the Lens to 2016 Contents Executive summary��������������������������������������������������������������������� 4 A message from the Board of Screen Tasmania��������� 6 Our vision����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7 Our mission������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7 Our values���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7 Our objectives�������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7 The story so far��������������������������������������������������������������������������� 24 Disclaimer: This publication has been prepared by Screen Tasmania, the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts. The information contained within the strategic plan is considered to be correct at the time of publication. Images used within this publication remain the property of the copyright holder. Image credits: • Arctic Blast courtesy of Arctic Blast © 2010 Arctic Productions Pty Ltd/ Polar Productions Inc • The Hunter by Matthew Nettheim • The Room At The Top Of The Stairs courtesy of Adam Walker Film • Testing Taklo and Whale Rescue courtesy of Move Media • Tourism Tasmania and Dennis Harding. © State of Tasmania June 2011. 978-1-921527-09-8 (Print) and 978-1-921527-10-4 (Online) A strategic direction for the Tasmanian screen industry The Last Confession Of Alexander Pearce – Essential Media. Through the Lens to 2016 Page 9 Page 13 Objective one: Quality and innovation Objective two: Growth and sustainability To position Tasmania as a centre for the creation of quality screen content, using innovative methods of production and delivery. To offer a business-enabling environment that provides competitive opportunities for growth in the screen industry. Page 17 Page 21 Objective three: Promotion and participation Objective four: Performance and accountability To engage Tasmanian audiences and contribute to building the state’s profile nationally and internationally. To operate transparently and effectively in relation to key stakeholders and the public interest – increasing stakeholder satisfaction with our performance. Through the Lens to 2016 Executive summary Through the Lens to 2016 has been developed following extensive consultation with the Board, industry and stakeholders. This five year strategic plan and vision for the industry outlines how Screen Tasmania, working closely with the Tasmanian screen industry, will navigate growth, change and opportunity over the next five years. The local screen industry has evolved over the past 11 years since the establishment of Screen Tasmania. It is timely to review and refine a strategic direction that will keep pace with, and build on the opportunities afforded by changing technology and also the unique strengths and qualities that Tasmania’s innovative and talented content creators have to offer. industry continues to contribute to the Tasmanian economy and our vibrant cultural life. The strategic plan highlights four key themes: • • • • uality and innovation q growth and sustainability promotion and participation performance and accountability. The plan’s primary aim is to provide a framework for Screen Tasmania, in consultation with the industry, to develop and implement funding programs that support the development of high-quality, marketable and commercially-viable Tasmanian projects, with the aim of significantly increasing the amount of locally generated production. Over the past 11 years, Screen Tasmania has sought to be as opportunistic and broad in its support as possible in order to support a fledgling industry base. As it happens, documentary and animation have been the major drivers of production activity in the state. Screen Tasmania’s short film and script development programs have supported the development of creative and craft skills. Screen Tasmania has also engaged in promoting and attracting off-shore production into Tasmania, providing opportunities for technical and craft training as well as employment opportunities and valuable screen credits. In order to increase production activity, the scope of projects supported by Screen Tasmania will be broadened, with a major focus on series television and the previously unsupported area of factual entertainment such as lifestyle and format television shows. This policy has been formulated to increase steady and reliable production activity that will provide ongoing employment, opportunities for skills development and generate spend in the state, while raising the profile of Tasmania as a viable and appealing filming destination. Moving forward, Screen Tasmania has developed a strategic plan in the context of an environment of fiscal restraint. As a result, Screen Tasmania has worked to find innovative ways to prioritise support for the local industry, to enable consistent and sustainable growth through increased production activity over the long term, while ensuring that the Tasmania remains open for business for in-bound productions. However, Screen Tasmania will not actively pursue such productions over the short-tomid term. Funding priority will be given to supporting local talent and seeing local projects developed, produced and exported, rather than waiting for sporadic work to arrive from interstate or overseas. A strategic direction for the Tasmanian screen industry or marketplace intelligence. However, evidence shows that the more hands-on support practitioners receive in the development, packaging and financing of their projects, the more likely they are to advance into production. With a very clear aim to increase production activity in Tasmania, Screen Tasmania will be offering a bespoke and tailored service to industry, depending on the requirements of individual practitioners, companies and their projects. Alive and Kicking – Roar Film. Globally the screen industry is experiencing rapid technological change with 3D and interactive content, multimedia mobile phones and internet TV, meaning digital methods of production and distribution have become the norm. This rapidly changing media environment represents real opportunity for Tasmania, and as highlighted in this strategic plan, Screen Tasmania will be pursuing ways to drive the development and production of innovative, quality digital media. This will build on the already significant expertise that exists within the state in the short term, while exploring opportunities to take advantage of the National Broadband Network (NBN) in the long term. The significance of the NBN roll-out in Tasmania cannot be underestimated, both as a driver for innovative production, but also as a medium for allowing Tasmanian audiences to see more local stories on their television, computer and mobile phone screens. Perhaps the boldest and most innovative change has come with the way in which Screen Tasmania provides support to industry. Traditionally funding agencies have provided funding support and little in the way of guidance, mentoring, networking assistance In the next few years, Screen Tasmania will work hard to build the Tasmanian brand so that it is synonymous with quality and entertaining screen content that is distinctively Tasmanian. Promoting the work created by local practitioners and engendering greater awareness and pride in local talent will be a focus area. There will be greater opportunities for interaction between audiences and content creators and more avenues for their work to be seen at a variety of stages and in many different settings. An enhanced and interactive website, dedicated Tasmanian festivals and events, and the showing of more local content on small screens will engage locals and enhance an already vibrant screen culture. And most importantly, there is an increased focus on working with, and for, local screen practitioners. Through the Lens to 2016 highlights a number of initiatives designed to increase the accountability and transparency of Screen Tasmania in its dealings with individuals, companies and the industry peak body, the Tasmanian Independent Screen Industry Council. The screen industry holds significant potential for Tasmania in the future, and decisive action taken now will position Tasmania strongly as a leader in this new media environment, to ensure that all Tasmanians benefit both culturally and economically in the years to come. Through the Lens to 2016 A message from the Board of Screen Tasmania The Board of Screen Tasmania, together with management, are pleased to deliver this five year strategic plan for the Tasmanian independent screen sector. With the digital switchover occurring in 2013, the future for the independent screen production sector is exhilarating. With this in mind Screen Tasmania, in consultation with the industry, has created this strategic plan to better enable screen practitioners to engage with this new digital landscape. The strategic plan also recognises that the local screen sector needs to have a point of difference from its mainland competition and has introduced dedicated funding of lifestyle content in its guidelines. As such, Screen Tasmania becomes the first government screen agency in Australia to embrace the genre to this degree. The next few years will be a major challenge for Tasmania’s screen content creators and Screen Tasmania looks forward to supporting their visions, goals and economic outcomes. Drive – Big hArt. A strategic direction for the Tasmanian screen industry Our vision Screen Tasmania and the industry working together fostering Tasmanian talent and stories to strengthen an enterprising and innovative screen industry that contributes to a vibrant cultural life. Our mission To act as a central hub for the industry, facilitate a business-enabling environment, drive strategic growth, respond to opportunities in the marketplace, and capitalise on a rapidly changing media environment. Our values • • • • e are passionate, professional and committed. W We embrace bold visions and innovative ideas. We celebrate and reward success. We are approachable, flexible and strategic in our support of the Tasmanian screen industry. Our objectives 1. Quality and innovation – to position Tasmania as a centre for the creation of quality screen content, using innovative methods of production and delivery. 2. Growth and sustainability – to offer a business-enabling environment that provides competitive opportunities for growth in the screen industry. 3. Promotion and participation – to engage Tasmanian audiences and contribute to building the state’s profile nationally and internationally. 4. Performance and accountability – to operate transparently and effectively in relation to key stakeholders and the public interest – increasing stakeholder satisfaction with our performance. Through the Lens to 2016 Pixel Pinkie – Blue Rocket. A strategic direction for the Tasmanian screen industry Through the Lens to 2016 Objective one Quality and innovation To position Tasmania as a centre for the creation of quality screen content, using innovative methods of production and delivery. Focus areas: rovide leadership to position Tasmania strongly in the •p digital media environment • adopt innovative approaches to project development to increase production outcomes • prioritise support for Tasmania’s creative talent. Through the Lens to 2016 1.1 Drive growth in the development and production of quality digital screen content. 1.2 Stimulate and increase opportunities to position Tasmania strongly in the digital media environment. a) Provide funding and mentoring support for the development and production of strong, original content designed for digital platforms. b) Assist and facilitate practitioners with accessing financial and marketplace support to drive growth in content creation for digital platforms. c) Raise awareness, stimulate interest and support the transition of Tasmanian companies into digital media content creation. d) Emphasise a strategic focus on digital content creation in the design and delivery of funding programs. a) L everage opportunities offered via the National Broadband Network. b) B uild linkages with other organisations and sectors to facilitate opportunities in digital media. c) E xplore the development of a digital research and training hub in Tasmania under the Icebreaker banner. d) Continue to play a key role in development of digital media policy at state and federal levels. 1.3 Improve the quality of project development processes to facilitate improved production outcomes. a) P rovide targeted development support for the creation of outstanding and original projects. b) Provide more hands-on, tailored mentoring and enhanced project support with an emphasis on increasing the marketability of projects from an early stage. c) Actively facilitate Tasmanian practitioners’ connections to the marketplace. d) E xplore methods to streamline development application and assessment processes. My Place interactive – Blue Rocket. 10 A strategic direction for the Tasmanian screen industry 1.4 Foster the development of Tasmanian creative talent. a) D eliver industry development programs designed to enhance professional development and increase employment outcomes with an emphasis on key creative roles. b) Provide bespoke mentoring in order to provide direction and support for emerging practitioners on their career pathways. c) Review the Creative Producer Scheme and explore ways in which to provide support for emerging producers. d) Deliver a program designed to support talented entry-level or emerging Tasmanian writers. 1.5 Ensure delivery of training that better reflects the strategic focus of the local screen industry a) E nsure continued collaboration with Wide Angle Tasmania to ensure that our strategic directions align and produce optimum outcomes for the industry. b) E xplore the establishment of a statewide screen education committee. c) Collaborate with state and federal funding agencies, the marketplace, and other industry organisations to facilitate improved training outcomes for Tasmanian practitioners. Bali High Wedding – Roar Film. Through the Lens to 2016 11 The Hunter – Porchlight Films. 12 A strategic direction for the Tasmanian screen industry Through the Lens to 2016 Objective two Growth and sustainability To offer a business-enabling environment that provides competitive opportunities for growth in the screen industry. Focus areas: ursue strategies to increase production activity •p • provide competitive business terms and financial services to underpin industry sustainability • build linkages across government, the marketplace and the private sector to support industry. Through the Lens to 2016 13 2.1 Increase production activity in Tasmania to build industry sustainability, generate employment, and increase economic spend and revenue streams. a) P rovide equity investment to facilitate Tasmanianbased production with an emphasis on series production. b) B roaden the scope of production support to include projects that hold potential for ongoing production activity in Tasmania such as format, lifestyle, game and talk shows. c) E xplore the introduction of a business opportunity fund to create certainty and underpin increased production activity. d) Leverage funding where appropriate to generate marketplace co-investment opportunities. e) E xplore opportunities to leverage Goodwood Studio to enhance production outcomes. The Last Confession Of Alexander Pearce – Essential Media. 14 A strategic direction for the Tasmanian screen industry 2.2 Strengthen the business and investment environment in order to facilitate increased production. esign and deliver programs that respond to a) D industry needs, market trends and budgetary constraints to ensure maximum impact. b) Seek project-specific funding from the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts and/or increased government investment to the existing allocation. c) Review application and assessment processes, eligibility criteria, levels of investment, policy and standard terms of business to prioritise support for Tasmanian producers. d) Accelerate bureaucratic, contracting, drawdowns and approvals processes to ensure financial support to industry is provided as quickly as possible. e) E xplore options to provide pre-marketplace funding commitment in the form of a letter of intent for Tasmanian producers. f) E xplore enhanced financial services such as low or no-interest cashflow loans and explore options for priority recoupment, and grant funding for low-budget production prioritising support for Tasmanian companies. 2.3 Strengthen economic sustainability of local screen business enterprises. a) Introduce an enterprise support program for Tasmanian screen enterprises wishing to generate production and grow their businesses. b) Strengthen requirements regarding cast and crew employment spend and attachments on in-bound production. c) Strengthen requirements for non-Tasmanian companies to form genuine creative and/or financial partnerships with Tasmanian residents and production companies. d) Act as a central hub of information for the local industry, providing marketplace knowledge, information, networks, business modeling and industry opportunities to assist in developing and supporting local businesses. Arctic Blast – Arctic Productions Pty Ltd./Polar Productions Inc. Through the Lens to 2016 15 Tropfest – Salamanca Square, Hobart. 16 A strategic direction for the Tasmanian screen industry Through the Lens to 2016 Objective three Promotion and participation To engage Tasmanian audiences and contribute to building the state’s profile nationally and internationally. Focus areas: romote Tasmanian talent and stories locally, nationally •p and internationally • engender pride and increase engagement for Tasmanian talent and content among Tasmanian audiences • contribute to promoting Tasmania’s rich cultural life and liveability. Through the Lens to 2016 17 3.1 Build brand awareness of Tasmanian screen content and talent nationally and internationally. 3.2 Build a vital creative screen environment that contributes to Tasmania’s liveability and rich cultural life. a) D eliver funding support for screen-based events which provide opportunities to promote Tasmanian talent and stories. b) Develop a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy that utilises social media. c) Re-develop the Screen Tasmania website to more dynamically promote Tasmanian talent and stories including the creation of a screening room. d) Continue to attend key industry events and promote Tasmanian talent and content in national and international markets. a) D eliver funding support for locally based screen festivals and events including a premiere Tasmanian film festival. b) Form strategic partnerships with other arts organisations to provide opportunities for those engaged in other art forms to contribute to our screen culture. c) E xplore the establishment of a key annual award that celebrates and rewards excellence in the screen industry such as an entrepreneurial spirit award. d) Work closely with local media to promote and publicise Tasmanian screen-based events. 3.3 Strengthen and empower Tasmanian youth and key communities by engaging them in screen activities. Hoota and Snoz – Blue Rocket. 18 A strategic direction for the Tasmanian screen industry a) S upport and encourage programs that promote career pathways, empower storytellers and provide development opportunities for Tasmanian youth, Indigenous groups and migrant communities. b) Develop strategies and programs to encourage smaller, more remote Tasmanian communities to explore the benefits of the National Broadband Network and how they can create local content that benefits them. Jonathan Dawson and Academy Award winning cinematographer Andrew Lesnie hold a film-making masterclass. Through the Lens to 2016 19 Stephen Cleary presenting at the Business of Development conference, Hobart. 20 A strategic direction for the Tasmanian screen industry Through the Lens to 2016 Objective four Performance and accountability To operate transparently and effectively in relation to key stakeholders and the public interest – increasing stakeholder satisfaction with our performance. Focus areas: • improve what we do and how we do it • be more responsive and provide quality, innovative support • ensure transparency in decision-making • communicate and exchange information with local practitioners. Through the Lens to 2016 21 4.1 Effective communication with industry and other stakeholders to engage in a shared commitment to Tasmania’s screen industry. a) E ngage in a regular exchange of information with industry practitioners, key stakeholders and the Tasmanian Independent Screen Industry Council, including policy, funding submissions and market analysis. b) Deliver regular website and bulletin updates providing relevant industry information. c) Provide an events calendar on the Screen Tasmania website with key Screen Tasmania, local, national and international dates. d) U tilise social media tools to disseminate information in a more targeted manner. 4.2 Responsive, tailored, efficient and timely services to industry. a) D eliver funding programs and guidelines that help simplify and streamline the application process. b) E xplore the feasibility of an online application process to increase internal operational efficiencies. c) Establish a database of all those working in the industry, and make it accessible to registered members searching for technical crew, creative and other personnel. d) Upgrade the internal database software and project/client tracking system to ensure optimum functionality and enhance decision-making processes. 22 A strategic direction for the Tasmanian screen industry 4.3 Demonstrate the integrity and effectiveness of Screen Tasmania’s decision-making processes. a) R eview and make recommendations to improve governance and accountability processes. b) Publish relevant performance and funding information in a timely manner. c) Ensure greater transparency and responsiveness, through an independent audit of policies and business processes at least once every three years. d) Review funding guidelines, terms of trade, eligibility criteria and assessment and approvals processes at appropriate intervals to ensure transparency and ease of understanding. e) E xplore options for industry surveys to chart and measure industry growth and production activity and ensure this information is analysed to gather data that will support a case for increased funds, if appropriate, and identify deficiencies and areas of success. f) Increase the focus on visiting local businesses as part of the induction process for new Screen Tasmania staff to ensure a greater level of knowledge of how the Tasmanian industry operates. 4.4 Ensure Tasmanian interests are represented appropriately at national level. a) C ontinue to take an active role in contributing to various national forums and reviews, and take a strategic leadership position in representing the local industry. b) Participate regularly in forums such as the Screen Finance Group, State Agency and Territories Forum, Industry Review groups, Green Screen Committee, Media Reconciliation Industry Network Group. c) Optimise Screen Tasmania staff attendance and facilitation of support for local practitioners at screen conferences, markets such as Australian International Documentary Conference, Writers Conference, Director’s Conference and, where appropriate, international forums and conferences. Sam and Piccolo - Adam Walker Film. Through the Lens to 2016 23 The story so far In 1945 Tasmania became the first state in Australia to have a Government State Film Unit operating until the opening of the Department of Film Production in 1960. The Tasmanian Film Corporation was in operation for five years until its closure in 1982, producing commercial projects mostly intended for young audiences. For the following 17 years there was little or no production activity occurring in the state and no production companies operating in Tasmania. In light of this, Screen Tasmania was formed in 1999 as part of Premier Jim Bacon’s vision to grow a local screen industry that would bring employment and economic, as well as artistic returns. Over the past 11 years an independent screen sector has begun to emerge with a production base largely underpinned by documentary and animation. Tasmania is now home to one of the only surviving animation studios in Australia at a time when most animation production, including Disney’s studios have moved off-shore to cheaper alternatives. This is no small achievement and can in part be attributed to the initiatives and support provided by Screen Tasmania. 24 A strategic direction for the Tasmanian screen industry Documentary productions such as Drive, Bali High Wedding, A Family Divided, The Passionate Apprentices, Alive and Kicking, Stormsurfers, Stories of the Stone Age, Whale Rescue, Feral Peril, The Abbey, Wildness, and The Mission, and animations such as Pixel Pinkie, Hoota and Snoz, Dog and Cat News, Spikey Joe’s Truck, and Time Cracks have all served to build the foundations of a local industry, many achieving ratings success and attracting audiences and awards both at home and internationally. Tasmania’s profile has been raised as a unique filming location through feature length drama productions. These include The Hunter, the Canadian Australian co-production Arctic Blast, the award winning docudrama The Last Confessions of Alexander Pearce, and horror film Dying Breed. These projects have contributed to building local production expertise while showcasing Tasmania’s diverse landscapes to national and international audiences. In addition to supporting production activity, Screen Tasmania has played a significant role in industry development through providing professional development opportunities for emerging practitioners through short film production initiatives. Highlights include Stripped Bare, Sam and Piccolo, Sound Blocks Pain, Freefall, The Long Beach and Promising. Local creative talent has been supported through screenwriting initiatives such as Cut and Polish, Eurista Script workshops, the ground-breaking Creative Producer Scheme, LAMP Digital Media workshops, as well as mentorships and attachments. In recognition of the need and value of screen resource centres, in particular supporting entry level and emerging talent, Screen Tasmania was instrumental in the establishment of Wide Angle Tasmania in 2005. Screen Tasmania continues to provide funding to Wide Angle to deliver training and low-cost equipment hire to entry level practitioners. In 2008 Screen Tasmania hosted the inaugural Business of Development Conference delivered by internationally renowned story-developer and trainer Stephen Cleary. The conference attracted almost 100 key industry players, including representatives from Screen Australia, Screen NSW, SAFC, the NZ Film Commission, and also leading producers and writers. This sparked a dialogue amongst industry professionals that has seen methods of development scrutinised and development funding evolve to embrace industry best practice. Screen Tasmania has also supported a number of festivals and cultural events that have begun to engender pride and contribute to Tasmania’s cultural identity, engaging audiences both in Tasmania and interstate. Events have included, Tropfest, World of Women in Cinema, Longest Night Film Festival, Far Flung Flicks as part of Ten Days on The Island, Cinematheque, Amalgamation Arts Festival, Mountain Film Festival, the Breath of Fresh Air Film Festival (BOFA), Flickerfest, the St Kilda Film Festival, the Australian International Documentary Conference, and the Writer’s and Director’s Guild conferences. Screen Tasmania has grown over time, reflecting and responding to industry growth. The move in 2011 from the Economic Development portfolio to the Arts portfolio, is a recognition by the Tasmanian Government that the screen industry contributes both economically and culturally to the state, by promoting Tasmania’s unique locations, talent, and stories to the world. For more information on Screen Tasmania’s projects, go to www.screentasmania.com Through the Lens to 2016 25 Contact Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts Screen Tasmania Level 4, 22 Elizabeth Street, Hobart TAS 7000 Email: info@screen.tas.gov.au Web: www.screentasmania.com