Australia produced the world's first feature film with The Story of the Kelly Gang in 1906, but today the film industry is struggling. Since the 1980s Australian films' total share of the local box office has fallen steadily from over 23% to below 4%.
During this time the Australian Government's involvement in filmmaking has increased.
Today the government funds most local films, as well as locally produced Hollywood films. Yet in spite of the government's growing involvement in filmmaking, and spending hundreds of millions on production, the box office slide has continued unabated – leading to concerns for the future viability of the industry.
The question is, what's wrong with Australian films? And can Australia ever hope to reverse the slide and build a self-sufficient commercial film industry?
One group of industry insiders and corporate executives believe it is possible. They have formed an initiative called Pure Independent Pictures, which is dedicated to supporting independent filmmaking. They believe Australia can build a thriving independent film sector to rival the likes of Hollywood. But is it really possible?
Join Amie Bransgrove as we hear from experts in economics, finance, marketing, and filmmaking on such questions as, is our economy large enough to make commercial films, can we ever compete with Hollywood, do we have enough scripts, does the Australian accent work in films, and do Australian's really want to make films?
This documentary will change the way you see Australian films.
What's Wrong With Australian Films is screening on community television and Foxtel through September to October. Please check your local guide for details or go to www.pureindependentpictures.com for a full schedule.
Trailer: http://youtu.be/mGw3W-25PII
Cast:
Presented by Amie Bransgrove
Featuring:
Benjamin Zeccola, CEO, Palace Cinema
Megan Brownlow, Executive Director (Entertainment & Media Outlook) PwC
Alan Crabbe, Director & Co-Founder, Pozible
Nick Buchner, Senior Product Manager, Sony Australia
Chris Berg, Policy Director, Institute of Public Affairs
Rick Raftos, Managing Director, Rick Raftos Management
Darren De Bortoli, Managing Director, De Bortoli Wines (Pure Independent Pictures patron)
Angus Kingsmill, Managing Director, Mambo (Pure Independent Pictures patron)
Shane Oliver, Chief Economist, AMP Capital
Jason Kent, Founder, Pure Independent Pictures
Screenings:
Brisbane – Digital 31
September 8th Mon 6.30, 10th Wed 3pm, 11th Thurs 6pm, 14th Sun 9pm
Sydney – TVS
September 8th Mon 10.30pm, 10th Wed 11.30pm, 11th Thurs 1.30am
Melbourne – C31
September 6th Sat 10.30pm, 9th Tues 3pm
Perth – West TV
September 13th Sun 1pm (more TBC)
National – Aurora
October 5th Sun