Actors fight piracy in the capital

Australian actors have gathered in Canberra to press home concerns about the devastating impact piracy is having on the Australian film and TV industry.

According to a recent IPSOS and Oxford Economics study, 6,100 jobs were foregone across the economy with $1.37 billion in revenue lost over the last 12 months.

At meetings in Canberra on Monday and Tuesday Actors Equity representatives (president Simon Burke, acting director Zoe Angus and actors Marta Dusseldorp, Matt Day and Tina Bursill) were joined by representatives from Foxtel, SPA, Matchbox, Goal Post Pictures and Taylor Media.

Angus says performers are particularly concerned about the increasing impact piracy has on their livelihood and the potential to build a sustainable career.

“Piracy is a huge threat. We can’t ignore it any longer. The film and TV industries are being hit hard and it’s having a dramatic trickle down affect.”

As well as meeting with the Attorney General and Minister for Arts George Brandis and Minister for Communications Malcolm Turnbull, the entertainment industry delegation also met with the Deputy Manager of Opposition Business Mark Dreyfus QC, Shadow Minister for Transport and Infrastructure and the Shadow Minister for Tourism Anthony Albanese.

Of the meetings Equity president Simon Burke says: “The reception was overwhelmingly positive. There is will from both parties to crack down on piracy. The solutions aren’t simple – we all know that – but there are big cultural and economic implications if we don’t find some.”

Further meetings are scheduled with Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten and Deputy Leader of the Opposition Tanya Plibersek.