Screen Producers Australia

In 1956, independent producers united to lobby federal and state governments to support Australian content on television and in the cinema, using both regulation and subsidies. A secondary goal was to increase their bargaining power in industrial relations negotiations with trade unions representing actors and technicians. In the late 1950s, the Australian Film Producers Association (AFPA)was created, mostly consisting of producers of advertisements, who lobbied against the importation of television advertising. For the next ten years, they lobbied to ensure higher levels of Australian content on commercial television.[1]

AFPA became the Film Production Association of Australia (FPAA), registered in 1972 as an employer association. The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) and the producers' association have sometimes joined forces (such as lobbying for the protection of Australian industry and content), and sometimes clashed (such as with regard to the use of foreign actors in Australian films). Governments started funding some Australian feature films during the 1970s, leading to the founding of the Independent Feature Film Producers Association (IFPA) in 1973. Difficulties in negotiating agreements with Actors’ Equity led to a merger of IFPA and FPAA in 1976, forming the Film and Television Production Association of Australia (FTPAA).[1]

In 1985, the FTPAA rebranded as the Screen Production Association of Australia (SPAA), and held the inaugural SPAA Conference, with the aim of increasing membership and funds. In 1994, the name changed to Screen Producers’ Association of Australia (SPAA).[1]

In November 2013, it rebranded as Screen Producers Australia.[2]

In 2020-2021 Screen Producers Australia is playing a key role in lobbying the Australian government over proposed changes in the tax rebate scheme known as Qualifying Australian Production Expenditure (QAPE) which is a major source of production funds across the Australian film and television sector.

Screen Producers Australia supports the interests of businesses in their production of feature films, television programs, interactive content, and games across all genres and formats. Since its origins in the 1950s, the organisation has provided a consistent voice lobbying for Australian content regulation. Today its focus remains on advocacy,[3] as well as industrial relations,[4] and conferences and other events, such as SCREEN FOREVER and the Screen Producers Australia Awards.[5]

SPA is a member of the International Federation of Film Producers’ Associations (FIAPF).[1]

• Screen Forever (conference)

• "Parties to the Award, Pedigree Charts ~ Federally Registered Employers & Employer Associations, page 50: Chart 28: Entertainment and Sports" (chart). Australian Trade Union Archives. University of Melbourne. 1994. 1994 Print Edition page 60, 2002 Online Edition
• Smith, Bruce A. (6 August 2010). "Film Production Association of Australia (1972-1976) (Employer Body Entry)". Australian Trade Union Archives. University of Melbourne.

• Official website