Submission 46 Hi, My name is Keaton Stewart I am writing in regards to the Inquiry into the Australian Film and Television Industry. I have been working in the Australian TV and Film industry since i first edited the pre-school show Larry the Lawn Mower, a show developed and produce in Australia under the Australian content quota. It was a big deal for a kid in his 20's to have made it to Sydney and been given the chance to develop my story telling skills. In the following 9 years I have worked on numerous Australian programs including short films, preschool content, children's programming, dramas, comedies and documentaries working my way up from editing through directing and now producing. I love our industry it is an amazing training ground and produces not only uniquely Australian stories but also, in increasing numbers, producing stories the world wants to engage with. Now is the time not to run away from that training ground but throw more into it if we can support group and individuals through their careers they stand a greater chance of producing large scale work within Australia for a global audience. As the model of distribution changes via on demand and access to content becomes increasingly easy and more efficient we have the opportunity to bring our stories to more people. But what that means is we will be competing on a global stage and if we don't have the support to develop in our early careers and the ongoing support to share OUR stories we run the risk of losing our identity. It would be sad to say the least to never see the next The Castle, Strictly Ballroom, Round the Twist, Always Greener, Fast Forward or Rake stories about who we are and our way of life. As a nation we need an industry that reflects who we are. Thanks, Keaton Stewart Director ----------------------------------------------------------------------- STEWART BROTHERS Productions ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Check out 'The Hoarders' on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/thehoardersfilm I acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora nation on whose land I work and their brothers the Kamilaroi whose lands I call my home. I pay my respects to their elders past, present and future, and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia. http://www.abc.net.au/indigenous/map/.