The location filming landscape has slowly become more competitive over the last few years. With more and more domestic and international locations courting Hollywood dollars through lucrative incentive schemes and tax credits, producers are somewhat spoiled for choice. Now, there’s another key player to know— Australia. Blake & Wang P.A. entertainment lawyer, Brandon Blake, heads down under for this exciting new development.
Buoyed by Success
2024 releases Anyone but You and The Fall Guy were both shot in Australia. With the news that they will now practically double the location tax credit on offer (16.5% to 30%), more will be coming, too. Australia’s federal government has already passed this new legislation into law as of this week.
The location offset applies, of course, to local Aussie movies and other foreign fare as well. However, the production budget must top $13.3M for a film production to qualify, or $1M per hour for series-style content. This will position the country as a compelling alternative for Hollywood budgets and blockbusters alike.
Boosting Local Business
This newly announced incentive is bound to power up Australia’s domestic work pipeline for screen workers and local businesses in a big way, as well as encourage international investment. After all, it’s hard to argue with a 30% tax incentive at the best of times. As more and more Hollywood content heads offshore for production, this should better position Australia as a competitive destination in the wider Asia-Pacific area. It will also favorably position it against top international production hubs such as Canada, the UK, and even domestic US locations.
With Australia already able to claim a role in bringing Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Thor: Love and Thunder, and, fittingly, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga to life, it seems Hollywood would be a real drongo if it ignores this exciting new development.
Film and Television 