Film Victoria announces record production year for screen industry

Film Victoria has reported annual production expenditure surpassing $250 million for the first time.

In 2018/19 Film Victoria’s investment in 70 screen projects generated $251 million for the Victorian economy, trending up over the last five years by 45%, and created 8,347 employment opportunities.

This result represents a return on investment of $12.90 for every dollar Film Victoria committed to the production of 19 feature films, 23 digital games, and 28 television, online and virtual reality projects last financial year.

High-end television drama continues to be a strength with $191 million generated by local projects, including Bloom, Wentworth Season 8, Hungry Ghosts and My Life is Murder, and season 4 of US TV hit Preacher, the largest television production to film in Victoria in more than a decade. 

Children’s television also remains strong, with highlights including Little J & Big Cuz and Mustangs FC, which was nominated for an International Emmy Kids Award.

The Dry and True History of the Kelly Gang were two Film Victoria-supported narrative features filming extensively in regional Victoria.

In documentary filmmaking, last year saw an increase in support for projects made for the big screen, including social impact films 2040 and The Australian Dream.

Victoria’s digital games industry continues to grow its reputation as one of the world’s top game production destinations. In 2018/19, investment by Film Victoria in games projects, including Dead Static Drive, Wayward Strand and the global sensation Untitled Goose Game, generated more than $3.9 million for Victoria.