PM eager to entice Hollywood

INTERNATIONAL blockbuster films would get incentives to film in Australia once the nation’s borders reopen, under plans to lure back big production jobs, as the Morrison Government unveils a separate $250 million arts rescue package today.

Festivals, concerts and events cancelled because of COVID-19 will get a second chance to go ahead with $75 million in grants up for grabs, while there are $90 million in loans for productions and events able to prove they will be job creators.

There is also a $50 million insurance guarantee fund, which will help filmmakers secure finance for local productions that have been hitting roadblocks because of COVID-19 concerns.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is framing it as much about “the tradies who build the stage sets … as it is about supporting actors and performers in major productions”.

However it can be revealed there are continuing talks looking at further incentives to lure large-scale Hollywood and other international productions to the country once borders are lifted.

Tax offsets are one possibility, but it is believed other incentives are being looked at closely. It will be separate to today’s announcement.

The Queensland film industry, which employs about 3000 people, has a strong history of securing top Hollywood films including Thor: Ragnarok (pictured), Kong: Skull Island and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.