WHAT OUR LOCAL FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILMING ON LOCATION IN AUSTRALIA
The climate of Australia varies widely, the largest part of Australia is desert or semi- arid. 40% of the landmass is covered by sand dunes. The south-east and south-west corners have a temperate climate. The northern part of the country has a tropical climate varying between rainforests, grasslands, and part desert.
Highlights include the Sydney Opera House; Uluru- Kata Tjuta National Park; European pines & tropical jungles; Mars- like landscapes – Coober Pedy and cosmopolitan cities, country, and towns.
Australia remains a complete package: quality infrastructure, diverse locations, and experienced can-do technicians- along with a great lifestyle.
Safety and travel
The country has a stable political system and a low crime rate, Australians generally experience a safe lifestyle.
TAX INCENTIVES & CREDITS
On 7 December 2021, changes to the Australian Screen Industry Incentive (Film Tax Offsets) became law. Divisions 376 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA 1997) provides 3 tax offsets for certain Australian production expenditure incurred by a production company in making a film where a minimum level of expenditure has been incurred. The company is entitled to one of the three tax offsets- The producer tax offset; The location tax offset; The post, digital and visual effects (PDV) tax offset, which can be claimed in the companies income tax return.
WHAT OUR LOCAL FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM EQUIPMENT CLEARNCE, FILM PERMIT,VISAS AND WORK PERMITS
General film permits
A filming permit may be required from the authorities responsible for the land you wish to film on. Local councils, State Government Departments and Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs) will have contacts responsible for issuing permits and answering queries.
Film equipment clearance into the country
You will need a carnet for temporary duty/tax-free entry of goods such as equipment. There are different types of carnet, check which type you will need.
Visas & Work Permits
All persons working in Australia’s entertainment industry including film, television or live performances who are not Australian citizens or permanent residents, need a temporary work visa for the duration of their stay.
Cost & Financing
The cost of a permit depends on the state/ territory where the shoot takes place, type of location, duration and size of the crew (six people is considered small and anything above is big). Permits can cost anything between a few hundred and 1,000+ Australian dollars a day.
WHAT OUR LOCAL FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM CREWS AND EQUIPMENT
Film equipment
Australia has a well- established infrastructure and facilities for filmmaking, everything you would need is available. Producers filming here have access to world- class facilities.
An internationally- recognised customs document, the ATA carnet system- is the best approach, if you are planning on bringing in equipment. This allows goods to move into foreign markets free of duty and tax.
Required information / documentation for application of a local Drone
The RPA pilot must have a local Civil Aviation Safety Authority approved licence to fly commercial drones in public spaces.