AIDC: The Harsh Truth

Screenhub contributor David Tiley got people talking when he presented a session called"What's Coooking".   In an entertaining a thought provoking rant he cast his eye over the documentary landscape exploring the worlds of production through handmade films, international co-productions, domestic pre-sales for TV, commercial TV and PAY TV.   He ignored the world of Reality TV, as documentary makers like to.

Tiley noted that there was a lot of optimism about the future from largely optomistic people, and some doom and gloom predications from those who always see the worst.   He noted that things were looking up with the formation of the super agency, Screen Australia although some were worried that it may have actucally become Screen Bulgaria.

There are many predictions about who may be new CEO, Earlier in the morning Sandy George has touted Jane Smith, Greg Smith or even possible bad boy Cory Worthington - at least he understands online distribution.   There are even runours that the Screen Australia board might include filmmakers.   Many people were of course eager to hear from the 'Three Amigos' - the current heads of AFC and FFC suddenly not attending the conference, Film Australia's Daryl Karp was left alone in the final session of the day.

Most importantly Tiley pointed out that there is a growth in the indie-indie sector - the true independents.   It was highlighted that there are many people in positions of power in boadcasters and funding bodies who are in their late 50's (those with superanunation) and filmmakers with provien track records (those without superanuation) who often work together to mutual benifit.   Meanwhile the next generation in their 40's wait on, patiently given the rare opportunity to be arunner bu people who given similar breaks whebn they were 20 years younger.

Filmmakers in their 20's are nearly missung from the landscape, they are not making things for televison or presenting on television.   It is an older people's sector.   Tiley proposed that filmmakers in their 20's are probably doing the innovation that the 50 year olds are now searching for.

A look over the landscape of 2006 - 2008 sees productions in pre-production, filmming, post and exhibition.   Amongst them is;

• 280 projects, including 26 features
• 160 active productions
• 65 series - 300 hours of television
• 180 one off 1 hour productions
• 116 active companies
• 42 companies who made more than 1 thing
• 20 companies making multiple projects at the same time.

Tiley nopted that there is a trend towards series, a jugernaught that can not be stopped, due to the reading of ratings, but questioned how a young filmmaker would get their first work comissioned and noted that less players equals less diversity.

As you looked around the room, it was very clear, there are few people here under 30.