Working In Melbourne

Visas


Radha Mitchell, Rogue

The Federal Government's support of the film industry extends to providing an efficient immigration process for film makers who wish to visit Australia.

Visitors to Australia who are planning to work in the film industry require passports and visas, with two main types of visas available, dependant upon the nature of your stay.

For short visits, such as location surveys or business meetings, a Business Visa is required. If you plan to shoot in Australia, an Entertainment Visa is needed.

To obtain comprehensive information about these and other visas, please contact Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA).

Entertainment Visa Unit
Level 2, 26 Lee Street
Sydney, NSW 2000
Telephone: 61 2 9893 4025
Email: entertainment.visas@immi.gov.au
Website: www.immi.gov.au

Co Production Treaties


Eric Bana, Romulus, My Father

Australia has co-production treaties with the governments of Canada, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy and Unite Kingdom. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with France and New Zealand is also in place.

The Australian Film Commission administers the official co-production program and provides detailed guidelines and information.

Please contact the Australian Film Commission (AFC) Melbourne Office for more information.

2/120 Clarendon Street
South Melbourne VIC 3205

Toll Free: 1800 338 430
Telephone: 61 3 8646 4300
Email: info@afc.gov.au
Website: www.afc.gov.au

Child Employment


Dying Breed

Information and advice on the employment of Children (less than 15 years of age) can be obtained from a Child Employment Officer at Industrial Relations Victoria.

Level 3/55 Collins Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
GPO Box 4509RR
Melbourne VIC 3001

Toll Free 1800 287 287
Telephone: 61 3 9651 9200
Website: www.irv.gov.au

Additional useful information can be found at the following:

Occupational Health and Safety


OH&S website

Film Victoria has created an online Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) management tool for the Victorian film and television industry. The tool provides practical assistance and advice enabling employers to manage health and safety for their productions and ensure regulatory compliance in the State of Victoria.

The online Occupational Health and Safety Management System is available by clicking here.

Unions

The Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) is the union for the film and television industry. Before the engagement of crew and cast it is vital for producers to meet with the MEAA to confirm correct industrial practices in areas such as terms and conditions of employment for Australian cast and crew and importing cast and crew.

Contact:
Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance
Telephone Enquiries: +61 3 1300 656 512
E-mail: mail@alliance.org.au
Internet: www.alliance.org.au

Weapons, Firearms and Other Dangerous Items


On the set of Long Weekend

If planning to use weapons or firearms during film production, it is necessary to contact a licensed Victorian theatrical armourer at least one week prior to filming. A licensed theatrical armourer can provide weapons and advise on current regulations regarding their use.

For a list of professional armourers, please visit Film Victoria's Industry Directory and search "armourer".

Additional Useful Information

Animal Welfare

The code of practice for the Welfare of Film Animals covers the treatment of animals in entertainment. For additional information please contact Department of Primary Industries Customer Service Centre.

1 Spring Street
Melbourne VIC 3000

Toll Free: 136 186
Telephone: 61 3 9658 4000
Email: customer.service@dpi.vic.gov.au
Internet: www.dpi.vic.gov.au