Film Victoria to Receive an Additional $8.6 Million from Victorian Government

Television and Digital Media Sectors to Benefit
The President of Film Victoria, John Howie, has welcomed the Victorian State Government?s decision to provide an $8.6-million additional funding package to Film Victoria.

The Treasurer of Victoria, the Hon. John Brumby MP and the Hon. Mary Delahunty MP Minister for the Arts, announced the details of the package at an official ceremony attended by over 100 industry guests at Melbourne Central City Studios this morning.
The 2-year funding package includes a $4.6 million Victorian Television Production Initiative and a $4 million allocation to continue Film Victoria?s successful Digital Media Fund.

?Film Victoria is thrilled with this substantial package provided by the State Government. The allocation of funds highlights the immediate support needed for local drama and children?s television. It also acknowledges digital media ? an area now burgeoning in Victoria, in terms of talent and economic potential,? said Mr. Howie.

?The budget ensures Film Victoria can continue its exciting range of programs and initiatives to cultivate an environment where the screen industry can realise its full potential,? he said.

The Victorian Television Production Initiative will focus on two key areas:
- $2 million over 2 years to establish a new Pilot Program that will enable producers to experiment with new forms of drama, genre, innovative production techniques. It will also assist practitioners to develop a teaser 30-60 minute pilot to attract broadcaster interest.
- $2.6 million over 2 years to specifically invest in the production of Victorian children?s and adult drama television projects.

The Digital Media Fund package of $4.05 million for 2 years will extend across programs that support the Victorian digital sector to develop:

- Prototypes for game platforms such as Microsoft?s Xbox and Sony?s Playstation
- Digital animation
- Innovative digital content for new technology platforms such as broadband, mobile and wireless

All of which will assist content developers to demonstrate their ideas and secure further investment and distribution prospects in the global market-place.

The Digital Media Fund package will also support the highly successful Internship program - which has a 98% success rate for interns moving into full-time employment - and a comprehensive program of information and networking opportunities for the industry.
Mr. Howie also used the occasion to thank the State Government for their generous financial assistance and unwavering support.

?The Victorian State Government has continued to be a strong supporter of the film, television and digital media industry. We gratefully acknowledge their on-going commitment to the industry,? Mr Howie said.

Film Victoria will confirm further details about the roll-out of the Victorian Television Production Initiative over the coming months.