Screen Australia has cut its funding from the Screen Network, jeopardising the future of the MRC
Screen Australia has confirmed it will no longer be funding the Screen Network from 2016, jeopardising several screen resource organisations around the country. This includes South Australia’s Media Resource Centre, which provides invaluable education, opportunities and support for aspiring filmmakers and operates the Mercury Cinema. MRC broke the news in a Facebook post yesterday, saying it was “extremely disappointed” by the announcement. This was followed by an identitcal post from the Mercury Cinema. “The MRC confirms that Screen Australia announced today that it will cease funding the Screen Network from 2016. This includes the MRC. “We would like to thank our members for the outpouring of support that we have already received, and let you all know that like you we are extremely disappointed, but vow to continue to be the vital institution that has been supporting emerging filmmakers and screen culture in South Australia sine 1974. Our board will meet soon to formulate a response and we plan to include our members and many supporters in our fight for the next generation of SA screen talent to have the same opportunities to join the professional industry that previous generations had.” What this means for the future of the MRC and Mercury Cinema is unclear, although both seem determined to fight on with or without Screen Australia funding. The Adelaide Review will be following up with the MRC after its board meeting. As well as operating the Mercury Cinema, the MRC offers several workshops, seminars, networking and job opportunities for film industry workers. It also holds an annual awards night for South Australian films, the SASAs. Screen Australia’s announcement comes after the Federal Government cut $110 million in arts funding in its recent budget.
