Under recent amendments to the legislation governing the NSW Film and Television Office, a board of seven members has been appointed to oversee the activities of the Office. The inaugural board members will take up their positions on 1 January 1997. The functions of the Office include:the provision of policy and support services and advice to Government agencies on the production of films and sound recordings; and the production of films and sound recordings on behalf of any person, body or organisation (including any Government agency). To enable the Film and Television Office to keep the Government informed of official projects in production at any one time, and advise agencies of the availability of appropriate film industry personnel and production companies, it is essential that Government bodies advise the Office of any proposed projects at least one month before the production is scheduled to commence.To maximise opportunities for the local film industry, agencies should take steps to avoid the proliferation of in-house film and video units and duplication across departments and authorities in the area of film and sound recording production.

 

The establishment of new in-house units should only be taken after consultation with the Film and Television Office. The need for those already in existence should be reviewed.The Office will continue to provide general production advice, assist in tendering, and undertake executive production of films and sound recordings for agencies, if required. The Office can also store masters, arrange for cost-effective copies of films and sound recordings to be made for distribution or sale, and arrange to store masters in appropriate conditions on behalf of agencies as a reference service. For more information contact the NSW Film and Television Office, Level 6, 1 Francis Street, East Sydney(GPO Box 1744, Sydney, NSW 2001).Tel: (02) 9380 5599 fax: (02) 9360 1090 email: [email protected] Films and videos produced by or on behalf of Government agencies are part of the official records of the State, and agencies are reminded of their obligations to protect such material. Under the Archives Act 1960 and administrative arrangements in force, the master copies of films, videos and sound recordings must be stored in an appropriate manner to prevent deterioration or damage over time. Masters may be transferred to the Archives Authority of NSW as State archives if no longer required, and in any case after 30 years, if no longer in use.Under Ministerial Memorandum No. 91-77, three copies of all films and sound recordings produced by Government bodies which are made available to the public are to be forwarded to the State Library of NSW within one month of public release.Agencies are encouraged to contact the Archives Authority and the State Library in relation to specific requirements.

 

Bob Carr Premier