Australia’s $140 Million Incentive Could Rejuvenate Struggling Movie Industry

Outside of India, Hollywood is the home of movies. In fact, such is the might of Hollywood production studios that critics have suggested that the “industry” actually churns out too many movies each year. Whether you agree that 650+ movies each year is too many, the one thing that’s hard to argue against is that Hollywood has a lock on the business. Indeed, between Lionsgate and Warner Bros alone, more than 50 movies were released in 2015.

Aussie Ministers Reach Out to Hollywood
In an effort to bring some diversity to the mix and spread the wealth, Australia’s Federal Government is dangling a $140 million carrot in front of the major studios. With Pirates of the Caribbean bringing attention and tourism to Australia, the country’s ministers want more blockbusters to be set in the Gold Coast and beyond. While those in the shadows of Hollywood Hills typically call the shots, there is a precedent for thinking outside of the box when it comes to attracting more interest to the industry. According to the stats, box office revenue has been shrinking in recent years. In 2017, attendance figures worldwide were down by 5%. On top of this, summer box office sales in the US took a 15% dip in the midst of various Hollywood scandals.

With a downward trend being the norm over the last few years, more production studios have embraced alternative media. As well as TV spin-offs such as Teen Wolf and Karate Kid keeping the eighties classics alive, game developers have also been used to keep people invested in a franchise. At Voodoo Dreams, even a cursory glance at the gaming lobby reveals a selection of movie-themed slots. Spartacus and The Invisible Man are directly linked to their movie counterparts, while Blood Suckers and 300 Shields take inspiration from Twilight and Gladiator. With this being the case, production companies could be more than willing to answer the call from Australia’s Federal Government.

A Relationship that Can Benefit Everyone
Of course, it’s not as though Australia is a complete novice when it comes to the movie business. Mad Max (1979) proved that the country not only has the geography but the talent to create a hit. The cheesy yet always entertaining Crocodile Dundee followed up in 1986, before Chopper showed a grittier side of Aussie life in 2000. While there’s no doubt the hot shots on Hollywood Hill will dictate how any Aussie movie looks, the government will want to have a say. While it might not have a direct impact on the creative process, the fact it’s offering $140 million in benefits will give it some sway when it comes to locations and jobs. In other words, if it’s going to be good for Hollywood, it also has to be good for Australia. The call from Australia’s Federal Government is certainly interesting. With American movie makers in a bind and looking for new opportunities, we could well see a major motion picture shot in Australia in the coming years.

Published June 20, 2018