Top three stories
- Perth International Film Festival cancels opening night
In response to the latest outbreaks of COVID-19, Revelation Perth International Film Festival has cancelled its opening night, and the following day of programming. - Government surrenders to common sense on screen industry ‘reforms’
Minister Paul Fletcher retreats on Foxtel, saves community TV and raises hope on further concessions. - Game devs get a path to permanent residency with visa win
Multimedia Specialist and Software Engineer are among 22 new roles included on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List, which offers priority visa processing and possible paths to permanent residency.
On screen
- Colourblind Casting: ‘I’ve been waiting for this a long time’
When actor Ming-Zhu Hii got to play a delicious period role in ‘Ms. Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries’ it was a defining moment. - Award-winning experimental game developer announces ambitious new project, Mars First Logistics
One of Australia’s most awarded solo game developers, Ian MacLarty, has announced a new major commercial project. - My Name is Gulpilil, Firestarter: The Story of Bangarra to premiere on ABC TV
Two of the year’s most important and moving documentaries will premiere on the ABC in celebration of NAIDOC Week 2021. - The Girlfriend Experience: the sexual interface in three seasons
A series far better than the movie that spawned it, Adrian Martin especially enjoys the speculative sci-fi of the third season. - You should watch… Dating Amber in cinemas
Richard Watts heartily recommends David Freyne’s semi-autobiographical second feature, which is coming out in Australian cinemas next week. - You Should Watch… Eden on Stan
This mystery from an all female writing team is more treasure than trash, says journalist Rochelle Siemienowicz.
Read: Is your TV telling corporations what you watch? And is broadcast TV dying?
Careers & opportunities
- Netflix ANZ commits half a million to new Indigenous creators fund
Netflix ANZ has partnered with the Australian Film Television and Radio School on a scholarship fund for Indigenous screen creators. - How to be a location manager: ‘find someone who’s got a bit of nous’
Steve Brett is a veteran location manager. He offers some pungent insights about the job, its pains and pleasures, and who should do it for life. - Game devs get a path to permanent residency with visa win
Multimedia Specialist and Software Engineer are among 22 new roles included on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List, which offers priority visa processing and possible paths to permanent residency. - Nine-day writing retreat for West Australian screenwriters invites applications from WIFT members
Events and announcements
- Perth International Film Festival cancels opening night
In response to the latest outbreaks of COVID-19, Revelation Perth International Film Festival have cancelled their opening night, and the following day of programming. - 2021 Freeplay Award winners announced, Umurangi Generation wins top prize
The 2021 Freeplay Independent Games Festival concluded over the weekend, but the Freeplay Awards are still to come. Here are the nominations.
Industry analysis
- Australian documentaries, large scale or intimate, strive for a global market
How do very different companies Wildbear and Southern Pictures respond to the challenge of selling Australian stories to the world? We talk to them to find out. - Massive cross-culture ‘season’ rethinks UK/Aus connection and histories
The UK/Australia Season is the largest cultural exchange between our two nations, one aimed to shake up how we think about each other, and to offer opportunities for fresh futures. - Getty gets real with useful guidebook for LGBTIQ+ storytelling
The world-leading stock photo and footage supplier has partnered with advocacy group GLAAD to challenge clichéd visual stereotypes - International franchises love filming in ‘Aussiewood’ — but the local industry is booming too
It may seem the current boom is led by locally-filmed international productions. But more than 80% of the productions currently being made in Australia are Australian. Is this sustainable?
Read: Getting the kids out of the house in the holidays with Vjunior cinemas
