The South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) revealed the ground-breaking new Risk Assessment Tool commissioned by the SAFC and developed by Deloitte Risk Advisory, to assist producers to assess COVID-19 risk management issues for their production and get cameras rolling again more quickly and easily in conjunction with national COVID-safe guidelines. 

Closer Productions’ Aftertaste (working title) will act as a test case for the tool. The series which stars Erik Thompson (Packed to the Rafters, The Luminaries), is the first South Australian project to commence production after months of COVID-19 delays, it was announced by ABC, Screen Australia and the SAFC. 

South Australia’s Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni commended the SAFC for its leadership in developing the risk assessment tool which is now in demand nationally. 

“It is testament to South Australian innovation for the SAFC to have engaged Deloitte Risk Advisory to deliver a product to fast-track a safe return to work for South Australian productions.” 

South Australia’s Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni

“With Adelaide Studios back open for business, and South Australia one of the safest places in the world, it also opens up the state to attract both interstate and international productions,” Minister Pisoni said. 

CEO of the South Australian Film Corporation Kate Croser said the Risk Assessment Tool will now be made available to South Australian producers and the SAFC has been proactively working with producers on upcoming productions to create bespoke solutions to address their needs. 

“Each production is different and we have redirected funds into further development for projects that have needed to make changes to their production plans. We have committed to working with other financiers to address the extra costs of shooting in the COVID-era too.” 

“We understand how essential this tool is for producers to get their productions back on track, as risk assessment is a requirement of financiers. Our team has been fielding calls from all over the country.” 

CEO of the South Australian Film Corporation Kate Croser

“Following our role on the national COVID-safe task-force, launching this ground-breaking tool is yet another pillar of our strategy for industry recovery, and we are very grateful to Deloitte Risk Advisory for their role in its development,” Ms Croser said. 

Deloitte South Australia Managing Partner, Hendri Mentz, said “Opening up the South Australian economy in a measured, safe way is critical to recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been an absolute privilege to work with the South Australian Film Corporation to develop the Risk Assessment Tool which will assist South Australian producers to confidently commence screen productions in our state.” 

Aftertaste (w/t) stars Erik Thompson (Packed to the Rafters, The Luminaries) who will also produce together with Closer Productions’ (The Hunting, In My Blood it Runs) Rebecca Summerton and Matt Bate. 

Closer Productions producer Rebecca Summerton said “It’s great to be back in production. I am delighted to be working with the Aftertaste (w/t) team and our production partners to bring this exciting new comedy to audiences.” 

“Working with Deloitte and using the tool gave our financiers the confidence to support the recommencement of pre on Aftertaste (w/t), enabling us to meet crucial deadlines for our lead cast availability and get back to work,” Ms Summerton said. 

Erik Thompson stars as Easton West, an internationally renowned yet volatile celebrity chef whose spectacular fall from grace sees him return to his home town in the hills of Adelaide, where he endeavours to rebuild his career and restore his reputation, with the help of his talented, young, pastry-chef niece. 

Aftertaste (w/t), will film in Adelaide and the Adelaide Hills in the coming months and premiere next year on ABC. 

Would like to know more about the Risk Assessment Tool?

Image Credit: Erik Thomson in production on Aftertaste (w/t) Photo by: Ian Routledge