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Screen Australia is to attempt to measure the economic, cultural and social value of the Australian screen sector in a new report.

The report, supported by the newly formed Australian Screen Industry group will provide the screen sector and government with an opportunity to help shape future policy settings.

Deloitte Access Economics and Olsberg SPI have been commissioned to undertake the research.

The findings and a screen industry action plan will be launched at a cultural roundtable and showcase event in Canberra on 21st June 2016.

According to Screen Australia, the aim of the research is to quantify and articulate what the screen sector contributes to the economy.

It will also evaluate what local screen content provides to Australian audiences, taxpayers and beneficiaries of cultural impact, including its role in fostering social cohesion and international diplomacy.

Introducing the thinking behind the report, Screen Australia Chief Executive, Graeme Mason explained “increasingly we are seeing the value of Australian screen culture to international diplomacy efforts.

“The recent appointment of actor Chris Hemsworth as new global ambassador for Tourism Australia shows just how potent our screen stars are for international relations.”

In 2013, Screen Australia undertook research into the impact of local film and television in fostering national, cultural and social identity.

Now the agency is looking to assess it in broader cultural and economic terms, taking into consideration the technological advancements in recent years.

Mason said the screen sector was incredibly innovative, adding “it has to be ... the way we watch television is changing, our cinema habits are in flux, and our exploration of digital platforms for web series and stories is on the rise.

“Our viewing habits are tied to technology and as such, our screen sector simply has to innovate to maintain its relevance.

"The role that our screen industry plays in fostering connection in the everyday lives of everyday Australians is key. At the heart of this is creativity and innovation.”

The results from this research will be launched at a Cultural Roundtable in Canberra.

The event is an opportunity for senior representatives from the screen industry to meet with policy makers to discuss the findings of the report and the challenges facing the production and delivery of Australian screen content in 2016 and beyond.

Members of the Australian Screen Industry Group are:

• Australian Cinematographers Society
• Australian Directors Guild
• Australian Guild of Screen Composers
• Australian Production Design Group
• Australian Screen Editors
• Australian Screen Sound Guild
• Australian Writers Guild
• Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance
• National Film and Sound Archive
• Screen Producers Australia
• Visual Effects Society
• Women in Film and Television (WIFT) NSW

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