The Tasmanian Government has announced that it will cut all funding to the Tasmanian Theatre Company (TTC) next year.

Artistic Director Charles Parkinson said this decision will have wide ranging ramifications both for Tasmanian artists and the Tasmanian community.

“In 2010-11 we employed 76 artists and performed to over 10,000 people which clearly demonstrates a high level of interest and enthusiasm for our productions,” said Mr Parkinson

Equity has written to the Premier of Tasmania, Lara Giddings, urging her to reconsider cutting of all funds to the Tasmanian Theatre Company.

Ellen Adamcewicz

Local content is being diluted by the digital television channels, as TV networks look to fill their schedules with cheap foreign programming.

Among the key finding from a report released by Screen Australia this week is that the amount of foreign content on Australian television has increased by 154 per cent since 2008, while Australian content has increased by only 54 per cent in the same period.

"In the multi-channel environment, Australian content is being drowned in a sea of foreign content," said Fiona Cameron, chief operating officer of Screen Australia.

Read more about the findings here and here.

Red Dog has overtaken Sanctum to become the highest grossing Australian film of 2011.

Inside Film Magazine reports: "Australian feel-good movie Red Dog has posted a rare feat, posting three consecutive weekends of increasing box office receipts as positive word-of-mouth continues to spread." Full story here

As of August 1, allowances under Equity’s film and television agreements have increased. For a copy of the current allowances contact the Equity information desk on 1300 656 512.

Geoffrey Rush has been named the founding president of the new Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts. The body will manage the new film and TV awards that are to replace the AFI Awards. The awards will take place in January to coincide with the international awards season. Read more.

The Alliance met with the Convergence Review Committee this week and discussed the importance of maintaining levels of Australian content in a converged media and entertainment landscape.