What is the big deal?
Intellectual property industries, like the film and television industry, are central to the stability and further growth of the Australian economy.
The film and television industry alone supports more than 50,000 Australian jobs, contributes $1.8 billion in taxes (which help pay for schools, health and other community priorities), and contributes an estimated $5.3 billion annually towards our country’s economy. For more information, click here (Link to Access Economics report)
When movies and television programs are stolen, those affected include local cinemas, family run DVD stores, writers, actors and other artists who contribute to the movies we love, and the carpenters, make-up artists, grips and other production crew members who depend on a healthy industry for their jobs and their families’ income.
The economic loss also reverberates across the wider economy, negatively affecting a range of local businesses and services.
Movie and TV theft also has an enormous impact on those who enjoy going to the movies or watching quality TV programs. Quality movies and TV programs are expensive to produce. If movies and TV programs are routinely stolen and distributed over the Internet or on illegal DVDs, then it becomes less likely that people will invest in the big, high-quality films and TV shows we love.
By contrast, when people choose to see legitimate content whether at the cinema, on DVD/Blu-Ray, on television or via a legal website, they are contributing to further investment in new films and television shows. Fortunately, copyright also makes it possible for consumers to enjoy their favourite films and TV programs legally. Many consumers now watch TV programs online and for free, using various forms of catch-up TV websites. Lower-cost online rentals of films are also becoming quite popular. These options offer flexibility to the consumer, while also ensuring we can continue to enjoy great film and TV in the future.
Economic contribution of the Film & TV Industry
