In Australia a variety of separate organisations represent the collective interests of the industry. The key organisations are listed below.

The AFC's handout Information for Filmmakers can be downloaded as a PDF below, or you can browse through the information online.

• Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE)
  Australia's peak non-profit registered training organisation for the Australian computer games industry, established in 1996. Specialises in 3D computer graphics, games programming and games design. Offers a variety of courses including a Diploma in Computer Game Design. Academy created the Australian Games Developers Conference (AGDC) to showcase to the world Australian developer talent. http://www.agdc.com.au Course information, links to Australian game developers.
  http://www.aie.act.edu.au/
  
  
• Ausfilm
  Ausfilm is a representative body for the Australian film, television and commercial industry, promoting Australia worldwide as a destination for screen production. It provides information to overseas producers about locations, cast and crew, studios, technicians and creative talent, as well as government regulations, tax incentives and legal and financial issues. Ausfilm is a collaboration of over 60 private sector companies, Australia's seven state film agencies, Austrade and the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (DCITA).
  http://www.ausfilm.com.au
  
  
• Australian Cinematographers Society
  Industry Organisation
  http://www.cinematographer.org.au/
  
  
• Australian Directors Guild (ADG)
  The Australian Directors Guild (ADG) is an industry association representing the interests of film and television directors, documentary filmmakers, animators and independent producers throughout Australia. ADG has 700 members nationally.
  http://www.adg.org.au/
  
  
• Australian Documentary Network (OzDox)
  OzDox is an organization and website dedicated to contribute to the enhancement and growth of the Australian documentary community.
  http://www.ozdox.org
  
  
• Australian Federation Against Copyright Theft Limited (AFACT)
  The Australian Federation Against Copyright Theft Limited (AFACT) was established in 2004 by the Motion Picture Association (MPA), to protect the film industry in Australia from the adverse effects of copyright theft. Hotline: 1800 251 996.
  http://www.afact.com.au
  
  
• Australian Film Critics Association
  National film critics website comprising reviews by film critics from around Australia of all films released with a film review section updated regularly including film festivals in Australia and overseas.
  http://www.afca.org.au/
  
  
• Australian Guild of Screen Composers (AGSC)
  Web site of the Australian Guild of Screen Composers (AGSC) with a calendar of events and matters of interest to screen composers in Australia.
  http://www.agsc.org.au/
  
  
• Australian Indigenous Communication Association
  The Australian Indigenous Communication Association Incorporated is a body that represents members of the National Indigenous Media and Communications Industry. The Representative Association advocates for and formulates policy on behalf of this sector. Sector representation includes: Broadcasting, Print Communication, Online Communication, Film, Video and TV.
  http://www.aica.asn.au/
  
  
• Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA)
  National organisation representing the information technology and telecommunications industry in Australia.More than 300 members including both small and large companies involved in developing, producing anddistributing computer and telecommunications hardware, software and services. Also includes telecommunications carriers, new media developers and online service providers. Compiles information about the industry's performance and conducts industry salary surveys. Provides a forum for member organisationsto debate important industry issues and encourage appropriate government policies for the industry.
  http://www.aiia.com.au/
  
  
• Australian International Movie Convention
  Attracting record numbers of delegates from Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the United States and Europe the Annual Australian International Movie Convention is the only event to network with local and international colleagues.
  http://www.movieconvention.com.au/
  
  
• Australian Location Managers Association (ALMA )
  ALMA is an Association of Location Managers working throughout Australia. For those wondering, Location Managers find the locations for films, commercials, TV, stills photography etc. and manage them to the mutual satisfaction of all involved. ALMA members share knowledge, implement improvements in professional standards and foster better communication between Industry, Government, Business and Community. The Association provides an Accreditation Standard that all members must maintain and surpass.
  http://www.alma.org.au
  
  
• Australian Screen Editors (ASE)
  A cultural, professional and educational organisation dedicated to the pursuit and recognition of excellence in the arts, sciences and technology of motion picture film and televisual post production. It aims to promote, improve and protect the role of editor as an essential and significant contributor to all screen productions.
  http://www.screeneditors.com/
  
  
• Australian Society of Authors Ltd (ASA)
  Almost 3000 members across Australia. Promotes and protects the professional interests of Australian literary creators. Represents members in negotiations and disputes, and provides advice on industrystandards and practices. Provides expert written and telephone advice on contracts: for books, film, CD-ROM, online services. Sets minimum rates for writers, speakers, readers, competition judges.
  http://www.asauthors.org
  
  
• Australian Teachers of Media Inc (ATOM)
  ATOM is an independent, non-profit, professional association for Teachers of Media and Teachers who wish to use media effectively in their classroom. ATOM aims to foster and encourage a generation of students who are both multi-literate and technologically savvy.
  http://www.atomvic.org/
  
  
• Australian Telecommunications Users Group (ATUG)
  ATUG's aim is to ensure the telecommunications industry delivers world class services at the best possible price to end users. Covers Competition, Open Access, Broadband Connectivity, Mobile Connectivity, Informed Choice and Regional Telecommunications Services.
  http://www.atug.com.au
  
  
• Australian Video Rental Retailers Association Limited
  To develop, promote and represent the video industry. To provide effective service, support and direction for our members.
  http://www.avrra.com.au
  
  
• Australian Visual Software Distributors Association Ltd (AVSDA)
  Representing the home entertainment film industry, AVSDA is a national trade association that represents distributors of home videos, DVDs and interactive software including computer games. AVSDA acts as a lobby group on issues such as censorship and copyright, and collates information on wholesale revenue from rental and retail sales.
  http://www.avsda.com.au/
  
  
• Australian Widescreen Association
  The Australian Widescreen Association, founded in 1972, is a group of enthusiasts shooting film and video, and photographing in panoramic or ‘widescreen' formats.
  http://users.bigpond.net.au/awa/
  
  
• Australian Writers' Guild (AWG)
  A professional association for writers in the areas of television, radio, screen and stage. Its aims and objectives are to promote and protect the professional interests of originators and adaptors of written material in Australia.
  http://www.awg.com.au
  
  
• Australians in Film
  Founded in May 2001, Australians in Film (formerly LAAFTA ) provides both a forum and meeting place for film and television industry professionals to view Australian films. The mission is to create an environment where Australians and Americans can foster strong and long lasting relationships in the entertainment industry through Australian screen culture and the individuals who create it.
  http://www.australiansinfilm.org/
  
  
• Business Software Association of Australia Ltd (BSAA)
  Part of an alliance of software companies in more than 50 countries to combat software theft and piracy.
  http://www.bsaa.com.au
  
  
• Cartoon: European Association of Animation Film
  Every year over 260 potential investors - all interested in animation - attend the Cartoon Forum. This includes over 100 broadcasters and 160 investors/video editors who have the advantage of getting a sneak preview of the latest animation projects for the television from 23 different European countries.The Cartoon Forum is neither a fair nor a festival, but rather a co-production forum, where European producers can negotiate financing for new projects.
  http://www.cartoon-media.be/
  
  
• Communications and Media Law Association (CAMLA)
  Website of the Communications and Media Law Association (CAMLA).
  http://www.camla.org.au
  
  
• Communications Law Centre (CLC)
  The Communications Law Centre (CLC) is a public interest research, teaching and public education organisation specialising in media and communications law and policy.
  http://www.comslaw.org.au/
  
  
• Film & Television Institute, WA Inc (FTI)
  The Film & Television Institute is the premier professional development centre for independent screen production & events in Western Australia. It provides an alternative pathway to the film and television industry through education, exhibition, equipment and production resources and is supported by its membership, corporate partners, ScreenWest and the Australian Film Commission.
  http://www.fti.asn.au/
  
  
• Film Illawarra
  Film Illawarra works with five regional councils in NSW to promote the region as a potential film location, and to facilitate the work of filmmakers. The website provides a database of locations and resources, as well as details about local film policy, and information about the local film scene.
  http://www.filmillawarra.org.au
  
  
• Format Recognition and Protection Association, The (FRAPA)
  International Association dedicated to Television Formats, which will work on behalf of both Producers and Broadcasters promoting an industry wide appreciation of Format Protection.
  http://www.frapa.org/
  
  
• Independent Cinemas Association of Australia (ICAA)
  Independent Cinemas Association of Australia (ICAA), is the industry body that represents cinema owners within Australia. ICAA actively lobbies and negotiates on issues that affect the day-to-day operations of cinemas whether they be small, privately owned single locations or larger multi-location company operations. The Association's specific aim is to advance the interests of motion picture exhibitors and their industry affiliates by providing a national, unified voice and collective representation for all members.
  http://www.coaa.asn.au
  
  
• Internet Filmmaker's FAQ
  Filmmaking.net offers resources and a community for English-speaking new and independent filmmakers. The site provides an online resource for new and professional filmmakers covering a wide variety of frequently asked filmmaking questions and other film and moviemaking issues.
  http://www.filmmaking.net
  
  
• Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA)
  The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance is the union for people working in the media, entertainment and arts industries. Our web site provides information on working in the these industries including wage rates and conditions, upcoming events and membership joining information.
  http://www.alliance.org.au/
  
  
• Metro Screen
  Metro Screen is a centre for independent screen production, training and exhibition. Metro's vision is a strong independent Australian screen culture which is innovative, representative and diverse. The site contains information about Metro's accredited and short video, television and new media training courses, video and new media facilities and range of cultural projects.
  http://www.metroscreen.org.au/
  
  
• Mobile Monday Sydney
  The Sydney chapter of the global Mobile Monday not-for-profit industry group (formerly mo:life).
  http://www.mobilemondaysydney.com
  
  
• North Coast CAMERA
  Community non-profit organisation supporting film and video makers of the North Coast NSW region.
  http://www.nrg.com.au/~nccamera/
  
  
• OPEN Channel
  Open Channel Co-operative has served as Victoria's leading community media resource centre for independent film, video and television production for twenty one years. A place where emerging screen practitioners can gain experience and acquire skills. It provides support services and facilities for filmmakers and community groups.
  http://www.openchannel.org.au
  
  
• Producers' and Directors' Guild of Victoria
  An introduction to the Producers and Directors Guild of Victoria. We are the only Guild which is made up of all performing arts, for screen, stage and airwaves.
  http://www.pdgv.com.au/
  
  
• QPIX
  QPIX is committed to developing independent production and screen professionals in Queensland, and to linking the state's sector to the industry at a national and international level. QPIX provides a range of integrated services to enable the development, production and exhibition of Queensland film, television and digital media. QPIX provides screen practitioners with access to equipment and facilities, lowcost production offices, professional production advice, information services, production opportunities, screening opportunities, key industry-focused training and a wide range of professional development.
  http://www.qpix.org.au/
  
  
• Screen Development Australia
  In mid-1999, the national network of screen resource organisations set up a new association, Screen Development Australia (SDA), to provide a formal model for the continued development, delivery and promotion of Australia-wide initiatives underpinned by best practice.
  http://www.openchannel.org.au/sda/
  
  
• Screen Producers Association of Australia (SPAA)
  Industry association of the Australian independent film, television and commercials production industry which represents the interests of all producers on issues which affect the business of filmmaking. Priorities are industrial relations, commercial issues, government policy, industry promotion and management of the annual SPAA Conference.
  http://www.spaa.org.au/
  
  
• Screen Services Association of Victoria
  Screen Services Association of Victoria supports production in Victoria and promotes Victorian facilities, technical expertise & artistic practitioners.
  http://www.screenservices.com.au
  
  
• ScreenPlay (Melbourne)
  ScreenPlay is a non-profit collective of professional writers, actors and directors, presenting unproduced film scripts as live readings. ScreenPlay readings enable writers to hear their work, often for the very first time, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of their scripts via audience input.
  http://www.screenplaymelbourne.com
  
  
• SMPTE
  The Australian section of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers.
  http://www.smpte.org/sections_chapters/index.cfm?regionid=28
  
  
• Sydney Arts Management Advisory Group (SAMAG)
  Homepage of SAMAG, provides details of monthly seminars of interest to arts workers across a range of platforms (theatre, film, dance, music, visual arts, etc). Recent seminar topics include "Alternative Media Networking" and "A Film-Maker's Guide to the Digital Era."
  http://www.samag.org
  
  
• The Fourth Estate
  The Fourth Estate is a community for new media professionals. The Fourth Estate is a free newsletter for media professionals, offering weekly commentary on new developments in iTV, mobile gaming, broadband and online entertainment, as well as a solid dose of Media Mogul intrigue and Machiavellian power plays.
  http://www.fourth-estate.com/
  
  
• The Writers Copyright Association
  The Writers Copyright Association is a worldwide organisation that offers script/screenplay registration. We are one of the foremost companies, also offering a free script marketplace.
  http://www.wcauk.com
  
  
• UK Film Distributors' Association
  Film Distributors' Association Ltd (FDA) is the trade body representing theatrical film distributors in the UK. Originally established in 1915, the association promotes a distribution perspective on cinema industry issues and offers a range of support services to distributors and the industry. Other useful information includes a distribution guide for the Uk market.
  http://www.launchingfilms.com/index.html
  
  
• World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)
  The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) is an international organisation dedicated to helping to ensure that the rights of creators and owners of intellectual property are protected worldwide.
  http://www.wipo.org/
  
  

  Information for Filmmakers