What is the SAC test?
To qualify for the Producer Offset, a project must satisfy the Significant Australian Content (SAC) test administered by Screen Australia.
In determining SAC, Screen Australia has regard to:
- The subject matter of the film
- The place where the film is made
- The nationalities and residences of the persons who take part in the making of the film (including producers, directors, writers, actors, composers, editors etc.)
- The details of production expenditure incurred in respect of the film; and
- Any other matters that Screen Australia deems relevant.
The above should not be considered formal criteria as each production is considered on a case by case basis and is a matter of judgment for Screen Australia. It is important to have as many Australian elements as possible including, but not limited to, story, cultural relevance, location, origination, development and source material.
For more information on the SAC test please visit Screen Australia or contact the Producer Offset and Co-production Unit at Screen Australia on +61 2 8113 5800
What role do State Screen Agencies play?
The Australian States and Territory Governments each have a screen production agency that provides incentives in addition to the Australian government incentives.
State Screen and Territory Agencies also provide practical day-to-day assistance to filmmakers, including location surveys and can put you in touch with experienced local location managers and production service companies.
This wealth of local knowledge and cooperation ensures you have access to all the advice and assistance on every aspect of managing your shoot at every level of government, no matter how big or small your production.
What are the minimum levels of required QAPE for different formats?
Format |
Minimum total QAPE |
Minimum QAPE per hour (i.e. QAPE / Duration in hours) |
|---|---|---|
| Feature film | $500,000 | N/A |
| Single-episode drama | $500,000 | $500,000 |
| Series/Season of a series drama $1 million | $1 million | $500,000 |
| Documentary (single-episode or series) | $500,000 | $250,000 (e.g. 1.5 hour series totals $750,000) |
| Short-form animation | $250,000 | $1 million |
Information on the Post, Digital and Visual effects (PDV) offset
PDV QAPE relates to expenditure on goods and services provided in Australia and the use of goods in Australia at the time they are used in making the production, to the extent that this expenditure relates to:
- creation of audio or visual effects
- editing and mixing of audio and visual effects
- activities that are reasonably related to these activities; and
- includes salaries, per diems and travel for PDV related staff and crew, as well as rental of relevant facilities and equipment. (If non-cast personnel enter Australia to work on the film they need to be employed for at least two consecutive calendar weeks to be included as QAPE.)
Who do I contact for more information on the PDV?
the Office for the Arts (OFTA), Department of Regional Australia,
Local Government, Arts and Sport.
T + 61 2 6210 2843
E filmenquiries@pmc.gov.au
W www.arts.gov.au/film-tv/australian-screen-production-incentive
Who do I contact for more information on the Producer Offset and Co-Productions?
The Producer Offset is administered by:
Screen Australia
Producer Offset and Co-production Unit
T + 61 2 8113 5800
E pocu@screenaustralia.gov.au
W www.screenaustralia.gov.au
Who do I contact for more information on the Location Offset?
The Location Offset is administered by:
the Office for the Arts (OFTA), Department of Regional Australia,
Local Government, Arts and Sport.
T + 61 2 6210 2843
E filmenquiries@pmc.gov.au
W www.arts.gov.au/film-tv/australian-screen-production-incentive
Can I access more than one incentive for productions?
The Federal incentives can be combined with State and Territory government incentives but only one Federal incentive may be accessed for each production.