Producers won’t budge on controversial Imported Actor Guidelines

 Recently, the Australian Government drafted a new policy which would strip the rights, and work opportunities for Australian performers in film and television. 

 Recently, the Australian Government drafted a new policy which would strip the rights, and work opportunities for Australian performers in film and television. The changes to the Foreign Actor Certification Scheme Guidelines will essentially deprive Australian performers of the fair chance to land jobs in Australian-made productions, financed by Australian taxpayers.  Under the current rule book, productions which are supported by the Australian Tax System need a minimum of 30% foreign finance in order to allow one overseas lead actor, one supporting actor and one cameo. Under the proposed new laws, there would be absolutely no restrictions on importing overseas actors for any role, should the production team insist. 
After several rallies in Melbourne and Sydney, the Office for the Arts agreed to meet with Equity representatives and performers to discuss the issue.  Last week, Equity representatives attended a meeting to discuss the proposed changes to the Foreign Actor Certification Scheme Guidelines. The meeting was convened by the Office for the Arts and representatives of the Screen Producers Association of Australia, the Independent Producers Initiative, AusFilm and Screen Australia were also in attendance. “The meeting featured a robust exchange of views but it was disappointing that no agreement was reached on any of the key issues of concern to performers,” said Equity director, Simon Whipp. “The producers gave no ground in their desire to open up TV series and serials to overseas performers, nor were they interested in establishing different import rules for Australian productions that receive the 40 per cent Producer Offset rebate.” The date of the next meeting is yet to be set, but is expected to be in the next fortnight. In the mean time, Equity encourages you to write to Arts Minister Simon Crean and express your concerns. Visit www.aussiefaces.org.au to write your letter and sign the petition. Read Erin James’ article on this issue here   See the video below about the issue, put together by the Media Arts and Entertainment Alliance:  

Save Spaces for Aussie faces from Media Alliance on Vimeo.