NSW Screen and Digital Games Strategy
"Storytelling is what connects us; it is where we can be seen, heard and understood. There is value in being able to walk in someone else’s shoes, explore new perspectives and get lost in a virtual world. Stories have the power to unite, inspire, inform people’s identity and broaden the fabric of our cultural lives." - Kyas Hepworth, Head of Screen NSW
Head of Screen NSW Foreword
Storytelling is what connects us; it is where we can be seen, heard and understood. There is value in being able to walk in someone else’s shoes, explore new perspectives and get lost in a virtual world. Stories have the power to unite, inspire, inform people’s identity and broaden the fabric of our cultural lives.
The contribution of screen stories to our cultural landscape is firmly underpinned by the significant economic impact of our screen and digital games industries in NSW. Engaging audiences, locally and globally, wherever and however they consume content, we strive to be known as a place to create vibrant stories.
Recent disruptions and uncertainties domestically and abroad have galvanised our industry. Right now, there is a unique opportunity to work together at this pivotal time for the screen and digital games sectors. Legislation for an increased Australian Location Offset, a commitment of the Federal Government’s Revive policy, reignites screen production attraction opportunities for NSW and delivery of our first creative industries policy, Creative Communities.
This strategy provides assurance of an ongoing plan for productions being made in NSW and for post, digital and visual effects and digital games work to be undertaken here. It focuses on programs that elevate and expand distinct and new voices, including First Nations storytellers. Screen NSW will support content that is loved locally, respected nationally and consumed globally.
Our ambition is for strong, high quality, sustainable screen businesses and practitioners at all levels, whose stories champion all communities. Engaging with industry stakeholders, we will build our influence for change, serve the sector and advocate for the NSW screen sector locally and internationally.
The four strategic priorities
On set of Bump Season 4. Photo courtesy of Stan and Roadshow Rough Diamond. Photo: John Platt.
NSW is home to a thriving global screen and digital games community, sustainably growing the industry and developing storytelling culture to connect with local and global audiences.
Cover image credit: Still from 100% Wolf, image courtesy Flying Bark Productions Pty Ltd; Anya Taylor-Joy in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures; Hayden Broadis (Jai Waetford), Dalia Tun (Zoë Boe) in Critical Incident ©Matchbox Pictures. Photo: Lisa Tomasetti