NSW is Australia's pre-eminent state for film and television production, with nearly 60% of all Australians employed in the screen production industry based in NSW and more than half of all Australian production and post-production businesses located in NSW, with a total income of more than $1.58 billion in 2011-12.

57% of all Australian drama production in 2012-13 took place in NSW and 81% of all Australian drama production was generated by NSW-based production companies.

Sydney boasts state-of-the-art studio facilities and is home to a wealth of creative and technical talent, however the industry is competitive and its practitioners are globally mobile.

The New South Wales Government is committed to making the state the most attractive destination in Australia for screen production. With the release of the Local Government 2012 Film Friendly Protocol, it is an appropriate time to note that government agencies and state authorities continue to follow the same policy as the local government authorities in facilitating filming by supporting the Film Friendly Protocol.

It is this Government's policy to reduce red tape and provide the highest possible level of co-operation with filmmakers to encourage screen production and thereby attract investors, job creation, growth in the economy and maintain the position of NSW as the premier destination for screen production in Australia.

Ministers, Chief Executive Officers and Film Contact Officers will continue to ensure that:

• there is a cooperative attitude in dealing with filming requests;
• applications for access are processed promptly;
• access to locations is supported wherever possible and should not be unreasonably withheld;
• clear reasons for refusal should be provided and alternative arrangements for sites offered if possible;
• fees are kept to a minimum and should only reflect costs.
• Agencies should permit filming activities and/or make locations and facilities available for filmmakers where possible, taking into account public amenity, safety, security and other operational requirements. Requests for agency services should receive a positive response wherever possible. Where filming access, services or approvals cannot reasonably be given, the filmmaker should be advised as early as possible of this response, reasons given for it, and alternatives suggested if possible.

Agencies should also ensure that:

• The Film Contact Officer network is maintained and Screen NSW provided with that name;
• The agency has filming policies, fee structures, application forms and contact details available on their website;
• Screen NSW should be informed of any changes to the Film Contact Officer so a current contact list can be maintained.

Screen NSW will continue to support agencies and their Film Contact Officers in dealing with film queries. The Film Friendly Protocol and other resources can be accessed at www.screen.nsw.gov.au