Federal Budget Bad for Film Business

You seem to forget that we also outsource our technical people too - Beyond Productions for example used to (and still do) make programs in Australia about 'the products of the future'. And yet they hit international gold by creating and producing Mythbusters. Many of the big name Aussie actors you list above lament the situation in Australia, and some big names have been known to take huge pay cuts (or offer their services for pay/play) in order to return to Australia and perform in indie films. They want to support the industry here, but know that to further their careers they have to go overseas. By the way, Cate is the AD at STC. If you didn't know. So you certainly can't lump her in. You almost hit on something else many of us forget. Why does Australian talent 'need' to develop here? I know a great performer who went over to America to study. And then she came back and spent years working as a producer (and still does on occasion). I know another actress who came here (yes, she came to Melbourne!) to study acting... and she's from the US! We're not just exporting people, but there are heaps of others coming here to learn. The learning experience, whether it is overseas or in your own country, helps you create a better, stronger industry in the long run. Why should we assume that to make our industry stronger, Aussies must stay here to do it? Sticky Apple Legs www.freewebs.com/stickyapplelegs Puppets in Melbourne www.thepromptcopy.com/pip