It appears that Australia’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic may yet provide a silver lining to those working in the film and television industry, with recent announcements of major Hollywood blockbusters to be produced on our shores.

While it remains to be seen whether the benefits will flow on to local professionals delivering Australian content, the Federal Government is certainly making efforts to capitalise on the current opportunities.

The $400m location incentive boost announced in July specifically targeted international production, and appears to be achieving results. A further $53 million in new funding is aimed at supporting the development of Australian content to deliver Australian jobs and a range of changes to the Australian Screen Production Incentive (ASPI).

While high profile actors continue to arrive for film projects, the arts industry too is showing promising signs of recovery.  The multi award-winning stage show Hamilton is opening in Sydney this month, where it will be the only live performance of the show in the world at this time due to the pandemic.

This new and cautious era of operating in the film, television and arts industries will no doubt bring new and unique challenges for those fortunate enough to be working in them.

At Rosenfeld Kant, we have over 40 years’ experience advising the Australian film, television and arts industries and offer particular expertise in film audits and related taxation advice.

We offer a dedicated Film Services Division, which is led by Gary Williams, Partner and Melissa Telese, a Chartered Accountant with considerable audit experience. Our expertise in film audits and related taxation advice grew initially from Gary’s personal interest in the arts and a wish to support the creative industries in a tangible way.

We have conducted more than 250 film audits including current projects Young Rock and recently completed Invisible Man, Mystery Road, Stateless, Alien TV, 100% Wolf, Texas Flip N Move and numerous other large and small productions by new and returning clients.

We can assist with:

  • QAPE Audits for the Producer, PDV and Location Offset
  • Investor Audits
  • State Spend Audits
  • QAPE Opinions
  • Company Establishment and Member’s Voluntary Liquidation
  • Structuring for Tax Minimisation
  • Lodging of the tax return to obtain the tax offset

For specific advice on your film, television or arts project, please contact us on 02 9375 1200.