Uniquely Australian culture that is being seen and embraced around the world.
In the past four years (2019-2023) that we’ve reported our investment to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), Netflix has invested over $1 billion AUD1 on new Australian and Australian-related Netflix films and shows.
That includes over $500 million on new kids and young adult programming and over $450 million on new adult drama.
Netflix’s investment in Australia is not new. We commissioned our first local series Mako Mermaids in 2014 and are proud to celebrate our investment in over 80 new films and shows3 filmed across Australia as of this year. It’s a milestone that underlines Netflix’s commitment to Australian storytelling and our recognition of the world-class production infrastructure that our country has to offer.
Why are we doing this? Because we know it’s what our audience wants. Australia is not all kangaroos and koalas, and we are committed to depicting a broader definition of what it means to be Australian on screens. This includes telling stories about Aussie drill rap in ONEFOUR: Against All Odds, showcasing comedians like Hannah Gadsby through standup specials like Nanette and Douglas and exploring everyday relationships seen on Emmy Award winning Love on the Spectrum. We provide a home for stories about Australians like True Spirit, stories that showcase Australia like A Perfect Pairing, and stories that let our Australian creatives shine, like Clickbait. All of which have a place in bringing the best of Australian storytelling to our members in Australia and around the world.
Commissioned, co-commissioned and acquired first-run films and shows shot in Australia which Netflix has invested in
As the above map outlines, we aim to tell the best stories across a variety of genres. Sometimes that means a fully commissioned film or series, the chance to team up with a local partner or broadcaster, or being the on-screen home of a finished film or show.
Collectively, these films and shows have employed thousands of local cast and crew, nurtured a pipeline of new, creative talent through a variety of development programs, and given Australians in-front and behind the camera a seat at the global table. And we still have so many more stories to tell…
As shown in the 2022-2023 ACMA data, the investment in Australian and Australian-related content by Netflix and other streaming entertainment services reached $777m AUD2 this past year. This is a significant and growing contribution to Australia’s screen production ecosystem.
More than 95% of Netflix’s total 2022/23 spend on Australian content was on new stories (commissioned, co-commissioned and acquired first run) across three main genres: kids, drama & documentary versus only 5% on the licensing of older films and shows to build our catalogue and showcase the best of Australian film and TV.
As for what’s to come, the screen adaptation of Trent Dalton’s iconic Australian novel Boy Swallows Universe; kids animated series Eddie’s Lil’ Homies in partnership with NITV and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF); outback drama Desert King; fan favourite Heartbreak High returns for another term; Tony Ayres Productions will adapt Jane Harper’s The Survivors into a series, and so much more.
These Netflix stories, just like 80+ that came before them, will continue to showcase Australia’s creative talent both behind the scenes and in front of the camera. We’re proud of the stories we make in Australia, and thrilled to see them embraced by audiences here and around the world.
(Source: Netflix)
Footnotes:
1 From financial year 2019 – 2023
2 ACMA (8 November 2023) Spending by subscription video on demand providers 2022–23 financial year.
3 Netflix commissioned, co-commissioned or first-run acquisition.
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