CBS Studios’ announcement today that Paramount+ will bring the NCIS franchise to Australia is a massive vote of confidence in the Australian industry. It means writers, directors, actors and crew will have the opportunity to showcase their talent producing an Australian version of a franchise that is recognised around the world.

​The Australian Writers’ Guild is disappointed by the minor reforms proposed in the Streaming Services Reporting and Investment Scheme put forward by Minister Fletcher today.

Under the proposed scheme, which is the outcome of the Government’s work to change the free-to-air TV market and implement platform-neutral regulation, large streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon and Disney will be required to ‘report annually on their expenditure and provision of Australian content’. Should those services fail to invest 5 per cent of their gross locally-sourced revenue in producing Australian content, only then will the Minister impose a formal investment requirement.

Australians in Film and Screen Australia have announced the return of UNTAPPED, the breakthrough professional development program for undiscovered and historically excluded Australian writers and directors, featuring masterclasses from award-winning filmmakers Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi, Short Term 12), Marta Cunningham (Insecure, Transparent), Silas Howard (Dickinson, Pose) and Oscar-nominated screenwriter Meg LeFauve (Inside Out, Captain Marvel)

As some writers’ rooms return to an in-person format, the AWG has prepared a brief information sheet that contains current information relating to writers’ rights to a COVID-Safe workplace. This document will be regularly updated to reflect industry practice as the situation develops.

AWGACS is looking for a motivated and committed Research and Royalty Officer to join its team. The successful applicant will report to the Manager of AWGACS, and will be responsible for extensive data entry, handling general enquires, and processing members’ payments.