Submission 74

To Whom it may concern,

I'm writing this testimonial about my career in the Australian Film and Television Industry as the viability and prosperity of the industry directly affects my career and livelihood.

I have currently been working in the industry for 17 years beginning with Channel 7 in the year 2000 as a camera assistant in the News Camera department. During my career I've worked across many genres and formats, beginning in news and current affairs, then documentary, magazine travel shows, reality television, children's television, and narrative drama.

I love my job, and I'm proud of the fact that I work in a creative role, in an industry that helps to shape the cultural identity of out nation, and even exports that message to the world.

I'm currently freelance and work for both television networks and production companies that service those networks. Whilst I occasionally work for overseas clients, the majority of my work comes from locally (Australian) based programs.

I think almost every major program I work for whilst it is originated and commissioned in Australia, also sells internationally. My understanding is that the programs that sell internationally do so because the quality of the production that we achieve is of the highest value, and above the expectations of what can be achieved within the budgets allowed.

I believe that it is the high standards of workmanship and production values that Australians can achieve is one of the keys to the success and viability of our industry as a whole. I think this is achieved because our creatives and technicians are professionals, who work full time and are able to progress their careers within the industry.

If the Film and Television industry suffers, if the there is even a temporary downturn, many, like myself will not only suffer financially and immediately - I'm freelance, if I'm not shooting, I don't get paid - and will be forced out of the industry in order to make a living. In my case this would be financially catastrophic, as my wife and I both work in the industry.

If the industry is not healthy and vibrant, people and skills will be lost. People who are skilled, and currently employed, will leave the industry and need to re train in another field. In addition to the economic impacts, Australian stories and voices will be lost. The community will still consume content, but that content will not be our own, instead we'll be watching stories and programs that are made from another country's perspective, and this will only dilute our sense of identity and culture.

Surely none of this is a desirable outcome for the community or the nation? Submission 74

I urge the Australian government to support and embrace what is an economically, commercially, and culturally important industry.

Sincerely,

Brad.

Brad Smith Cinematographer Steadicam/Camera Operator BJS Productions (NSW) Pty Ltd