Actor Daniel MacPherson has called for a “rethink” of the funding arrangements for Australia’s creative industries.
The Beast and Neighbours actor said the rise and cultural prominence of international streamers has changed the equation for local cinema and film financing.
“The funding and incentive guidelines in this country are going to need a rethink with the rise of streaming,” MacPherson told News Australia’s Ruby Randall following his closing fireside chat at Cairns Crocodiles, presented by Pinterest.
“Hot take: I don’t think we’re a cinema-going nation,” continued MacPherson.
“We’d rather be outside, we’d rather be at the footy, we’d rather be at the beach, we’d rather be at a concert, we’d rather be at the pub. I think that means the whole cinematic financing model of ours, particularly with the rise and the importance of streaming, needs a rethink.”
Poppy Reid, founder of Curious Media, who interviewed MacPherson during his fireside chat, concurred that Aussies crave a human connection.
“With… AI taking over jobs… I actually believe humans are going to crave more human connection. Going to the theatre, going to film premieres, having those experiential things, they’re going to become more popular, more valuable and [will] probably increase the price of what we pay for them because they’re going to be rarer,” Reid said.
Clearly, there’s something of a reckoning coming in the creative space with funding becoming increasingly elusive but a greater demand for the products than ever.
Where it all lands, we’ll need to wait and see.
