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Figures for Australian film features and TV dramas well above the five-year industry average show a strong year for local production activity in 2008–09, Arts Minister Peter Garrett said today.

The Drama Production Survey, released by Screen Australia, reports 38 features, 653 hours of television and nine foreign projects that had post, digital or visual effects work in Australia had a combined value of $688 million in 2008–09.

“Australian production accounted for some $668 million, an increase on last year's figure of $665 million and significantly above the five- year average of $576 million,” Mr Garrett said.

“The survey measures annual production activity through local budget expenditure for Australian, co-production and foreign projections shot in Australia and the results show just how strong our local film and TV industry has proved to be in the last year.

“The results show that the 26 local and three co-production features had an expenditure of $358 million — more than double last year's $170 million and the highest result for local features since the survey began,” Mr Garrett said.

Survey results also show:

• A rise in the production of mini-series, with eight titles (73 hours) having total budgets of $72 million — well above the five-year averages and $44 million budget of 2007–08.
• 15 combined children's titles (161 hours) with $103 million expenditure in Australia.
• An increase in costs per hour for TV drama production to $313,000 — up from last year's $291,000 and above the five-year average of $273,000 per hour.
• An estimated Australian Government contribution of $23 million to 17 features and $31 million to 26 television dramas through the Producer Offset.

“The annual survey allows us to monitor and predict trends and the future is looking good for Australia's production industry.

“This is excellent news for both our economy and our community, as we are seeing more stories about our own Australian experiences in our cinemas and on our televisions and celebrated right around the world.”

The Drama Production Survey can be downloaded from www.screenaustralia.gov.au/nps 

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