New Strategies Unveiled to Propel NSW’s Screen and Digital Games Industries

Published: 16 October 2024

In an ambitious move to bolster its billion-dollar screen and digital gaming sectors, New South Wales (NSW) has unveiled a comprehensive three-year strategy that underscores the importance of local storytelling and development of creative talents. This plan, spearheaded by the NSW Minister for Arts, John Graham, is poised to support thousands of jobs and secure the state’s position as the heart of Australia’s screen production, which accounted for nearly $1.1 billion in contributions to the state economy in 2021-22.

The vibrant world of NSW’s film industry is set for an exciting transformation.

Priorities for Growth and Innovation

Central to the newly proposed strategy is a bold commitment to nurturing local talent and expanding audiences. A $1 million pilot program will bridge skills gaps by collaborating with TAFE, AFTRS, and NIDA to facilitate rapid career entry for mid-career practitioners. Moreover, the introduction of a $200,000 IP option fund aims to empower producers by providing them the resources to adapt home-grown novels and podcasts into game content and screen productions, effectively enriching Australian narratives across multiple platforms.

The plan also incorporates a $200,000 Community Film Festival Opening Night Fund that will amplify diverse voices by bringing together underrepresented communities to celebrate shared stories through film festivals.

Strengthening Screen NSW and Embracing AI

In terms of operational efficiency, new film-friendly legislation is in the pipeline to elevate working standards and address the rising influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the sector. Screen NSW is set to form an industry working group to devise a strategic response to the implications brought by AI advancements, ensuring that funding guidelines remain relevant and effective. Additionally, a new priority hotline will empower the Head of Screen NSW to escalate urgent production challenges directly to government officials, thereby ensuring swift resolutions to critical issues.

Innovations in filmmaking technology play a key role in the state’s strategy.

Building the Infrastructure for Future Productions

Recognizing a critical shortage of filming infrastructure in NSW, the government plans to forge partnerships with private entities to explore alternatives for studio spaces, potentially including a second major studio at Callan Park. Furthermore, proposals for a Centre for Screen Culture and Digital Innovation, developed in collaboration with local entities, aim to create a hub that fosters creative talent across various sectors in the industry.

A Digital Gaming Boom on the Horizon

The strategy also places a strong emphasis on the burgeoning $466 billion global digital gaming industry, identifying it as a significant opportunity for economic growth. Proposed incentives include reducing the minimum expenditure for the Digital Games Rebate from $500,000 to $350,000, allowing a greater number of independent studios to access essential funding necessary for development. This reevaluation of prerequisites seeks to nurture the creativity and dynamism of smaller developers, ensuring a vibrant and competitive market landscape.

Additionally, an investment of $1.5 million over the next three years in the Digital Games Seed Development Program is set to provide crucial resources for both large and small gaming developers, improving industry networking opportunities, skills training, and knowledge-sharing.

The digital gaming landscape is expected to flourish with new support initiatives.

Expert Insights on Industry Dynamics

Minister Graham passionately stated, “Our people, our stories, and our skills are the reasons why more than half of Australian screen production happens here in NSW. This strategy sets out how the government and the industry could work together to build on that." He further highlighted the Australia’s rising share in the global production market due to heightened federal support, outlining the immediate need for legislative reform to make NSW a more attractive destination for filmmakers amidst increasing global competition.

Meanwhile, the Head of Screen NSW, Kyas Hepworth, expressed enthusiasm for the future of the sector, noting, “Storytelling has the power to unite and inspire… As a state with such a rich depth of talent, we strive to be known as the place to create compelling stories.”

Conclusion: A New Era for NSW’s Creative Industries

The NSW Screen and Digital Games Strategy encapsulates a forward-thinking vision aimed at fostering sustainable growth through innovation and support for homegrown audiences. As further details surrounding the proposed NSW Screen and Digital Games Act emerge in 2025, it is clear that the state is poised to embrace an era of transformative growth in cinema and digital gaming—one that champions creativity, collaboration, and the vibrancy of Australian stories.

In summary, the strategic priorities outlined not only highlight the state’s commitment to cultivating high-quality, culturally rich content but also pave the way for a robust and prosperous future for the screen and digital games sectors in New South Wales.

For more information go to the NSW Screen and Digital Games Strategy.