The South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) has welcomed the State Government’s new investment in the South Australian screen sector, which will be spread over three years, to extend the ABC SAFC Content Pipeline Fund.
A significant commitment from the government, $7.2 million will be allocated over the next three years to sustain this joint venture between the SAFC and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). The fund aims to foster a steady stream of high-quality Australian television productions based in South Australia.
Since its inception in February 2023, the partnership is already proving successful, supporting 328 jobs within the South Australian screen industry through six completed or ongoing ABC productions. These projects have leveraged local talent and facilities, notably the Adelaide Studios, contributing to the state’s emerging reputation as a hub for film and television production.
Among the noteworthy productions supported by the ABC SAFC Content Pipeline Fund are several that span a range of genres and audiences:
– “Beep and Mort,” a children’s puppet series produced by Windmill Pictures for its second season, is available on ABC iview and was filmed at the Adelaide Studios.
– “Gold Diggers,” a comedy series from KOJO Studios, also finds its home on ABC iview.
– Currently in production, “Teenage Boss: Next Level,” a factual series aimed at children, features local talent including Colin Thrupp as co-executive producer, underlining the fund’s commitment to supporting local skills.
– “Ladies in Black,” a drama set in the 1960s, is poised to premiere on ABC TV and iview on June 16, showcasing Adelaide and its studios as prime filming locations.
The financial impact of these projects is substantial, injecting over $21.8 million into the state’s economy in its first year alone via production and post-production digital and visual effects (PDV) spend. This influx not only supports the local screen industry but also stimulates ancillary economic activity, with every four jobs created in the sector supporting an additional three in the broader economy.
Future initiatives include increased opportunities for South Australian production companies to pitch new television series for the ABC, as well as ongoing benefits for local writers, directors, and producers to earn credits in prime time television. Beyond direct employment, the fund also opens up avenues for training and skills development, further enriching the state’s workforce competency in film and television production.
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