P-plates, bin chooks, sprawling beaches, abbreviating everything, and eshays: all aspects of a uniquely Australian culture that is being seen and embraced around the world.
In the past four years (2019-2023) Netflix has pumped more than $1 billion into 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 commissioned its first local series Mako Mermaids in 2014 and it has since then invested in more than 80 new films and shows filmed across Australia as of this year. It’s a milestone that underlines Netflix’s commitment to Australian storytelling and its recognition of the world-class production infrastructure that our country has to offer.
Why do this? Because it’s what the audience wants. Australia is not all kangaroos and koalas, and people want TV that reflects a broader definition of what it means to be Australian. This includes telling stories about Aussie drill rap in ONEFOUR: Against All Odds, showcasing comedians like Hannah Gadsby through standup specials such as Nanette and Douglas and exploring everyday relationships seen on Emmy Award winning Love on the Spectrum. Netflix houses stories about Australians such as True Spirit, stories that showcase Australia such as A Perfect Pairing, and stories that let our Australian creatives shine such as Clickbait.
Netflix doesn’t just pay for its own programs. Sometimes it teams up with a local partner or broadcaster or is the on-screen home of a finished film or show.
This all creates thousands of jobs for local cast and crew, nurtures a pipeline for new creative talent through a variety of development programs and gives Aussies in front of and behind the camera a seat at the global table.
Last year, streaming services pumped $777 million into Aussie content. This is a significant and growing contribution to Australia’s screen production ecosystem.
As for what’s to come, the screen adaptation of Trent Dalton’s iconic Aussie novel Boy Swallows Universe; kids animated series Eddie’s Lil’ Homies in partnership with NITV and the 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.
