MUMBAI: The film and television industries in Australia contributed $4.4 billion into Australia’s economy, according to a report by Access Economics released.

The report, which assessed the industry in its entirety – from the film and television creators to the audiences who enjoy their works at cinemas, DVD stores and on the small screen – found that in 2007 the industry contributed $4.4 billion to the Australian economy and supported around 50,000 jobs.

The report was released at a roundtable event “Building Creative Industries – Film Industry Factors for Success” organised by the Australian Federation Against Copyright Theft (AFACT), which represents the Motion Picture Association in Australia, on behalf of the film and television industry, and was attended by Screen Australia chief executive officer Dr Ruth Harley , and senior representatives from across the industry businesses featured in the report.

A key business success story featured in the report was the digital production business Animal Logic which grew from 10 people in 1991 to a company today that has a core of 200 employees and up to 550 during productions such as the animated feature “Guardians of Ga’hoole” currently in production.

Commenting on the release of the report, Public Affairs for Animal Logic director Greg Smith said, “It is great to see how the film and TV industries make such a significant contribution to jobs and the Australian economy. The success of Animal Logic is based on people who not only develop technical intellectual property but also creative intellectual property that allow us to diversify into all facets of the industry.”

Regional independent cinema owner in Merimbula NSW Denis Parkes said: “Our small cinema, and other cinemas across Australia, employ almost 6000 people and provide not only jobs and entertainment but also an invaluable community service and meeting place.”

Access Economics also highlighted the significant growth in the market for DVDs, increasing from $12 million in sales in 1999 to $1,448 million in sales in 2007, and supporting around 2000 small franchise rental/retail businesses and over 10,000 jobs.

AFACT executive director Adrianne Pecotic said: “Filmed entertainment is pervasive in our society and can easily be taken for granted. The Access Economics report highlights the value of our industry. For over 100 years the filmed entertainment industry has been meeting growing audience demand and delivering great films and TV shows at different price points in every available channel.”

“We are pleased but not surprised about the results – this report affirms the significant economic value of the industry," says Mike Ellis. "We congratulate the film and TV industries in Australia not only for this economic contribution but also the social contribution it makes to the Australian community and hope to see it continue to grow from strength to strength."

The report also noted the following:

• o Of the $4.4 billion in value-add, Free-to-Air TV was the largest contributor equating to almost $1.9 billion, followed by the Production and Distribution sectors at $769 million and $622 million respectively.

• Pay TV contributed $374 million, Exhibition $314 million, Retail $223 million and Rental $238 million.

• The total industry supported almost 50,000 people, which includes 37,774 in direct and 11,140 in indirect employment.

• Production was the largest sector, employing 10,616 people within the industry.

• Significant levels of employment are also estimated for the Free-to-Air TV networks with 6,033 employees, 5,890 in Exhibition and 5,663 in Retail.

• The film and TV sector contributed an estimated $1.8 billion in tax to the Australian government in 2007.