Film Victoria’s 2016/17 Annual Report was tabled in Parliament yesterday confirming a record breaking year for Victoria’s screen economy.
Investment in 84 film, television and games projects commencing production last year generated more than $230 million for Victoria's economy – a record high expenditure since Film Victoria was established in 2001.
The figure represents a 33% year on year increase in the production expenditure generated by supported projects which span 41 television productions, 22 digital games, 12 narrative and nine documentary features which includes post or VFX work completed in Victoria.
Drama production remained Victoria’s strength with $117 million generated from adult drama, comedy, online and animated children’s content – including 11 productions supported through Film Victoria’s partnership with ABC - the Victorian Content Initiative. This saw the return of television favourites Wentworth, Offspring, The Wrong Girl, The Doctor Blake Mysteries, Glitch and Please Like Me.
New offerings included The Warriors, Newton’s Law, Sunshine and Picnic at Hanging Rock while tween comedy drama Mustangs FC and Kuu Kuu Harajuku led the charge in children’s content.
International productions Winchester, Stem and The Leftovers relocated Down Under bringing filming activity and star power in Justin Theroux and Helen Mirren to urban and regional areas of Victoria.
Documentary contributions included 2017 MIFF favourites Westwind: Djalu’s Legacy, The Song Keepers and Have you Seen the Listers?
The reputation of local VFX studios continued to grow with the release of Spider-Man: Homecoming and Game of Thrones.
In games, Framed 2, Ticket to Earth and Miss Fisher and the Deathly Maze received support to begin production and be released to an avid games market.
Film Victoria CEO Jenni Tosi said “This figure is testament to the strength and creativity of the Victorian practitioners who have contributed to the fantastic results we see this year.”
“2016/17 was undeniably a phenomenal year for the Victorian Screen Industry. We look forward to seeing more brilliant ideas being generated by Victorians to maximise the opportunities for Victorian companies and creatives to excel at home and abroad.”