South Australian Film Corporation

Origin

The South Australian Film Corporation was founded as a production company in 1972. In 1994 it became the first state film corporation established in Australia. The success of its business model led other State Governments to establish similar bodies charged with the promotion of film production and fostering industry development. At the time of the Corporation's establishment, the Australian film industry was stagnating, and the Corporation played a significant role in the revival of Australian film making. Former State Premier Don Dunstan played an instrumental role in the foundation of the Corporation and its early film production activities.

Operation

From its genesis, the SAFC collaborated with various government departments and agencies in the production of short documentaries and educational films. These included co-productions with the South Australian Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Department of Marine & Harbors, the Education Department, the Office of Fair Trading, the Department of Housing, Urban and Regional Affairs and others.

In the 1980s, the SAFC shifted its focus to television production. It relocated to a disused Philips factory in Hendon in the north-west suburbs of Adelaide. Jock Bair was head of drama.

Until 1994, the Corporation was involved in the production of films and television programs. The television mini-series The Battlers was the last production produced by the SAFC. Since then, it has focused on supporting the production of films and television in South Australia, including providing funding and support, as well as making production and post-production facilities available.

Since 1994, the role of the Corporation has changed to that of a production facilitator, so that it no longer engages in the production process itself. It facilitated the production of the Nine Network program McLeod's Daughters (2001-2009), which was filmed on location in rural South Australia.

Relocation

In 2008, SA Premier and Arts Minister Mike Rann secured cabinet approval to fund the relocation of the SAFC, at a cost of A$43 million. The project included new sound stages and mixing suites, as well as a major refurbishment of a historic 19th century building as a high-tech film hub.

It moved its headquarters to Glenside, in the eastern suburbs, having taken over buildings previously occupied by a mental hospital. Its new Adelaide Studios have been the recipient of major funding from the South Australian Government. The new Adelaide Studios were opened by Premier Mike Rann on 20 October 2011. As of 2015, the Corporation continues to operate post-production facilities which have been used for a broad range of productions.

Major productions

Influence on Australian film making

The Corporation's activities contributed to the rebuilding process undertaken by Australia's film industry. Besides its productions that had critical and commercial success, the Corporation's productions helped to launch the careers of many artists, including Peter Weir, Jack Thompson, Scott Hicks, Rolf de Heer, Mario Andreacchio, Bryan Brown, Geoffrey Rush and Bruce Beresford.