Metro Screen’s forum OZ FILM VS. OZ AUDIENCE 2009
On Oct 22, 2009 Metro Screen welcomed a packed house of nearly 400 people at the Chauvel cinema to discuss why the majority of Australians don’t watch Australian films. With only a handful of non-film industry people in the audience [we counted six hands raised in response to this question] this event was somewhat of a watershed moment. We may not have solved the problems but we provoked and pushed the conversation.

Metro Screen will run a series of events in 2010 around the key points raised at the forum [see below] to further explore and articulate the issues facing Australian films.

Also check out the link to the podcast, vodcast and photos. To keep the conversation going online use twitter and the hash tag #OZFILM

KEY POINTS
A) Filmmakers should focus on ‘making our myths’ as well as ‘telling our stories’: the difference is scale, dynamics and ownership.

B) We should debate and resolve the question of a relevant and sustainable benchmark for assessing filmmaking outcomes; we can have both ‘cultural remit’ and ‘box office success’ as measures, but not in a confused blend.

C) The industry to lobby Government to lower the eligibility for the producer offset production rebate below the current level of $1 million to enable emerging, entrepreneurial filmmakers to access support.

D) What does ‘development funding’ really mean? eg from the focus on the 'draft by draft' script evaluation through to industry wide strategies.

E) Examine the role of distribution and marketing. Can things be done differently to better connect with target audiences and ensure local films get a better chance not only at the box office but other windows of ongoing exploitation?

F) Embrace the fact that TV, DVDs, online and portable media have an impact on “film”– understand this and capitalise on it.

G) Does “Australian Film” need to be re-branded with its own marketing campaign? A number of countries have come up with practical solutions to build national audiences. Should we do the same for “Australian Film”?

Missed the session?
•    Download and listen to the podcast 

Oz Film vs Oz Audience podcast [77954kb]

•    Watch the vodcast
•    See who made it to our photo album

Panellists:

Moderator: Andrew Urban- Editor, Urban Cinefile
Introduced by: Liz Watts - Producer, Porchlight Films

Dr Ruth Harley - CEO Screen Australia 


Troy Lum – Managing Director of Hopscotch Films
Margaret Pomeranz - At The Movies ABC
Garry Maddox – Journalist, Sydney Morning Herald
Susan Hoerlein - Publicity & Promotions Manager, Tsuki Marketing and PR Agency

Rachel Ward - Actor/Writer/Director - first feature 'Beautiful Kate'


Antony I. Ginnane - President of SPAA
 [Screen Producers Association of Australia]