Films a driving force in Australia India Business & Economic Relationship
Films have played a significant role in the development and strengthening of Australia–India relationship. Australia’s latest film venture in India, “The Waiting City” is a testimony of the significance of films in the development and strengthening of Australia – India relationship.
Australian filmmakers in search of innovative stories, themes and co-production partners are looking to India.
“The Waiting City” is the first Australian film ever to be shot entirely in India - the background of the film is Kolkata. The film has been described as a mystic-infused love story set around a young couple’s journey to India to collect their adopted child.
“The Waiting City” complements the trend of Indian films being shot in Australia. Australia is a leading film shoot destination for Indian films that includes Salaam Namaste, Dil Chahta Hai, Hindustani, Hey Babyy, Bachna Ae Haseeno, Love Story 2050, and Chak De India to name a few.
The growing popularity of films about India is attracting Australian producers and directors interested in India-centric films with good Australian stories for the global market.
Australian film & entertainment industry
“The Waiting City” puts the spotlight on the Australian film and entertainment industry and its contribution to the international film and entertainment industry. Australia has a vibrant arts, culture and entertainment industry. Australian actors & directors that includes Naomi Watts, Nicole Kidman, Mel Gibson, Peter Weir, Baz Luhrmann, to name a few have made mark internationally. Australia’s post production technology and expertise is internationally renowned.
Australia is also a popular film shooting & production destination. A broad range of varied filming locations from futuristic cityscapes, rugged deserts, vineyards, unspoilt coastlines, ethnic neighbourhoods, dusty outback towns, mountain ranges, sand dunes, northern rainforests, industrial plants and European-style villages along with professional crews, cost competitive environment, world-class studio facilities, reverse seasons and time zones complementing northern hemisphere shooting schedules makes Australia a leading international film shooting & production destination.
Award winning successful movies like Matrix 1 & II, Star Wars II and Mission Impossible were produced in Australia. Government support through tax offsets have helped attract international productions to Australia.
Australia has a strong record of technological innovation and sophisticated film infrastructure. Sydney based Fox Studios Australia is one of the world's most sought after studio facilities, boasting the largest purpose-built studio complex and the most comprehensive film lab in the southern hemisphere.
Australia – India Economic Relationship
Australia and India enjoy a strong & productive trade and investment relationship which has grown rapidly in recent years - two-way trade in goods and services between Australia and India is now valued at over AUD$ 21 billion (June 2009).
Australia is India's ninth largest source of imports. Over the past five years India has been the fastest growing market for Australian exports. Investments have been growing rapidly with Australia represented through an increasing Australian company presence on the ground in India, and with increasing investment by Indian companies in Australia, in particular in the resources, IT and hospitality sectors.
The Australian Trade Commission, the Australian Government’s trade and investment development agency provides significant support in the Australia – India business relationship. In 2008-09, the Australian Trade Commission helped close to 1000 Indian organisations source goods and services from Australia.
Driving commercial relationships to higher levels, The Australian Trade Commission has a focused sector-specific strategy that delivers introduction and solutions for Indian businesses in the areas of food and beverage; wines; automotive; defence; aviation, mining and resources; clean energy; climate change; infrastructure, building and construction; green buildings; agri-business; education; ICT; health; biotechnology; tourism; franchising; financial services; media & entertainment; sports and other sectors.
This is underpinned by the Utsav Australia (Celebrate Australia) – program, managed by the Australian Trade Commission- a sustained marketing and promotions program to raise awareness of Australian business and industry among the Indian business community.
Doing Business with Australia
The Australian Trade Commission has been working with the Indian film industry and assisting them in their film shoots and productions in Australia. For more information on accessing Australian products, technologies, expertise & services; business & partnership opportunities with Australian organisations, including film & entertainment, please contact Rebecca Ball, Trade Commissioner, Australian Trade Commission at rebecca.ball@austrade.gov.au or at 011 - 41399933 or visit www.utsavaustralia.in
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