Impact of the Aussie Film on local jobs

A film will often create more than the immediate jobs on a production, which is why I contend that local councils need look at more than sculpture to express community art.

Although it is true that the Film Industry is built around actors, directors, writers and whole lot of other creative people, there are many other roles that need filling. From designers and fabricators, to accountants, and mechanics, a wide range of people can be employed by a specific project to see it to fruition.

A project once underway, depending upon its needs, will employ a host of personnel and businesses. This then injects economic stimulus into the regions these people work, and so on, providing an economic benefit to the community as a whole.

Unlike America or India however, the Australian Industry ebbs and flows with its activity. The high Australian dollar, and the lure of Hollywood, is causing both investment, and filmmakers to look elsewhere. This means that the economic stimulus from the industry is dependent on government financing.

The argument against government support is that the industry is viable without support and will become stronger if increasingly globalised market forces are allowed full and untrammeled play. On the other hand the argument for support considers that a viable film industry is only possible if it is supported in some way by the government, the industry cannot compete against Hollywood.

Given the Aussie dollar is hovering around US parity, we are no longer in a position to sell ourselves as a cheap place to do business. This is true for not just Film Production, but also Manufacturing, Tourism, and any other export of the country. The challenge now faced is how a brand adapts quickly to the new paradigm, from being known for value for dollar, to identifying itself as a quality product. A brand that councils can foster and should be keen to see grow.

The rise of the Australian dollar coupled with uncertainties locally and globally, is making it increasing difficult for manufacturers to do business. If this trend continues, reductions in the workforce will occur. The pressures on the Manufacturing sector are plainly evident. By building and supporting an unrelated industry, an employment ‘buffer’ is build to maintain jobs in the region. Using the philosophy of avoiding putting all the eggs into the one basket, the region would become insulated in part, from further losses.

Local Councils are in a unique position to be able to recognise these issues, and modify their art expenditure, to include the fostering of filmmaking in their region. By encouraging filmmaking, they are making a clear statement – they are open for business in creative ways. It could also help foster economic growth with the film industry, and thereby create jobs growth.

And as an example of what can be achieved with very little comparative investement – http://www.louisianaentertainment.gov/