Queensland calls for Netflix-friendly film incentives

Australia offers a location offset filming incentive as its main production support for international shoots and this fund was recently boosted with an additional AU$140m over the next four years.

However, Tracey Vieira, CEO of Screen Queensland, has become the latest to point out that the country’s federal filming incentive support does not extend to content created for SVoD platforms.

“These productions don't want to bring a lot of people with them because that costs money,” said Vieira, in comments to ABC News as she explained how Australia’s screen sector can benefit from Netflix’s productions spending.

“It's much better to hire local people and use the skills and services in the country because that's a cost saving to them.”

Vieira added that while the extra funding for the location offset was a positive move, in real terms it may only cover two additional big-budget films a year.

Queensland is one of Hollywood’s preferred Australian locations for big-budget movie production and has recently played host to superhero films Thor: Ragnarok (pictured) and Aquaman.

See KFTV's production guide for more on filming in Australia.

Main page image: FreeImages/Roger Buser. Article image : Disney/Marvel Studios