The Australian film industry has experienced a significant transformation in recent years, thanks in part to the influence of global media conglomerates like the Banijay Group. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the impact of Screentime Australia, a Sydney-based production company acquired by Banijay Group, on the Australian film industry, as well as its contribution to the New South Wales economy. Get ready to dive into the world of television production in Australia, as we explore the exciting developments and future prospects of this dynamic industry.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
The Banijay Group’s acquisition of Screentime Australia in 2012 has enabled the company to expand production capabilities, diversify content offerings and enter new markets.
Screentime Australia is renowned for its popular reality TV shows and award-winning dramas, leveraging research into audience preferences to create engaging content.
The merger with the Banijay Group has positively impacted NSW’s economy by creating jobs and investing in local businesses while also embracing digital technologies for continued success.
The Banijay Group’s Impact on Screentime Australia
In 2012, the Australian television production landscape underwent a significant shift when the Banijay Group, a global content giant, took over Screentime Australia. The acquisition was driven by Banijay’s desire to expand its presence in the Australian, New Zealand, and Ireland-based territories, as well as gain access to popular television franchises like Underbelly and Cloudstreet. The merger has contributed to the growth and expansion of Screentime Australia’s market share.
Screentime Australia has seen considerable changes in its production capabilities and global reach following its merger with the Banijay Group. The company has:
Acquired Beyond International Limited
Seen the seventh season of Beauty and the Geek Australia picked up by TVNZ in New Zealand
Tapped into Banijay Group’s expertise in producing successful television franchises
Banijay Group’s Acquisition of Screentime
French company Banijay Group, established in 2008 by Stéphane Courbit, is a collective of creative entrepreneurs specializing in reality programming and factual entertainment. In 2012, Banijay Group acquired a majority stake in Screentime, an Australian television production company specializing in scripted and unscripted television programs for both the Australian and New Zealand markets.
Banijay Group’s primary incentive for acquiring Screentime was to broaden its international production portfolio and secure a majority stake in a prosperous local company. This enabled Banijay to enter the Australian market and capitalize on Screentime’s successful television franchises. Although the financial value of the acquisition has not been disclosed, it is evident that the deal has had a considerable impact on Screentime Australia’s operations and market presence.
Growth and Expansion
With an aim to boost Screentime Australia’s growth, Banijay Group initiated several strategies, such as foreign television production company acquisitions and investments in premium drama and non-scripted entertainment production. As a result, Screentime Australia gained access to Banijay’s portfolio of formats, which enabled them to diversify their content production and extend their international reach.
The acquisition has also had a notable impact on Screentime Australia’s market share, allowing them to venture into new markets such as Beyond International Limited and Endemol Shine Group. This growth and expansion have contributed to the overall success of Screentime Australia and solidified its position as a key player in the Australian television production industry.
Changes in Production Landscape
Screentime Australia’s production landscape underwent significant transformations following its merger with the Banijay Group. The company has:
Continued to produce popular television series
Received major production investment from Screen Australia
Collaborated with other production companies within the Banijay Group, leading to the development of novel and advanced production methods.
Banijay Group has also brought about significant changes in Screentime Australia’s production technologies, such as establishing a new production venue in Barcelona and initiating Screen Line Productions, a new scripted label within Banijay France. These changes have broadened Screentime’s production capacities and augmented its revenues, further solidifying its presence in the Australian television production landscape.
Learn more, visit About Banijay Group.
Notable Productions by Screentime Australia
Screentime Australia has crafted numerous acclaimed series, including:
Popstars
the Underbelly format
RBT
Janet King
These productions have showcased the company’s ability to produce high-quality, engaging content that resonates with Australian audiences.
In addition to reality TV shows, Screentime Australia has also produced successful drama series like ‘Underbelly’ and ‘Howzat! Kerry Packer’s War’. These drama series, in particular, have garnered critical acclaim and awards, showcasing the depth and breadth of Screentime Australia’s production capabilities.
Drama Series
Notable drama series produced by Screentime Australia include:
Underbelly
Pine Gap
Janet King
The Claremont Murders
Wolf Creek
The Gulf
These series have been recognized with accolades such as the Logie Award for Most Outstanding Drama Series and the AACTA Award for Best Television Drama Series.
Paragraph 2: Banijay Group’s acquisition of Screentime Australia has enabled them to secure substantial production investments and expand their global reach through Banijay Rights, thanks to the additional resources and support it has provided. This has allowed Screentime Australia to continue producing high-quality drama series that resonate with audiences both in Australia and abroad.
Reality TV Shows
Screentime Australia has produced a number of successful reality television programs, including ‘Below Deck Down Under,’ ‘The Traitors Australia,’ and ‘Alone Australia’. These shows have garnered multiple awards and gained a loyal fan following both in Australia and abroad.
While specific unique production strategies for Screentime Australia’s reality TV shows are not indicated in the search results, it is evident that the company is committed to creating engaging and entertaining content that appeals to a wide range of viewers. This dedication to quality and innovation has helped solidify Screentime Australia’s reputation as a leading producer of reality TV shows in the industry.
Documentaries
Screentime Australia has been involved in the production of notable documentaries such as:
Bali 2002
Underbelly: Vanishing Act
Anh’s Brush with Fame
Janet King
Underbelly Files: Chopper
These documentaries showcase the company’s ability to create captivating and thought-provoking content that provides unique insights into various subjects and stories.
Screentime Australia’s documentaries have achieved notable recognition, including:
The Documentary Australia Film Foundation Award for Best Australian Documentary for ‘Descent’
The Best Indigenous Short Film award for ‘Doug the Human’
The Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature for ‘Blind Ambition’
These accolades demonstrate the quality and impact of Screentime Australia’s documentary productions.
The Role of Research in Screentime’s Content Creation
Screentime Australia heavily relies on research in its content creation process. By analyzing factors such as:
social experiences
educational experiences
passive screen time experiences
interactive screen time experiences
screen time experiences of families
Screentime Australia is able to gain an understanding of audience preferences and tailor their content accordingly, staying aware of their needs.
Shows like ‘The Secret Life of 4 Year Olds’, ‘Insight’, and ‘RPA’ (Royal Prince Alfred Hospital) are examples of Screentime productions that have utilized extensive research in their development. This research-driven approach to content creation helps ensure that Screentime Australia’s productions are both engaging and relevant to their target audience.
Understanding Audience Preferences
To gain insights into audience preferences, Screentime Australia carries out a range of studies and research projects. This research helps the company gain valuable insights into audience interests, opinions, and demographics, allowing them to make informed decisions regarding the development of content that resonates with their target audience.
For example, Screentime Australia uses data from the Australian Video Viewing Report, time use diaries, and parents’ reports to gain insight into its viewership. By leveraging this research, the company can make necessary adjustments and improvements to their content based on audience feedback, ensuring that it is aligned with the needs and desires of their viewers.
Adapting to Changing Trends
Over the years, television viewership patterns in Australia have changed, with a decline in commercial television reach and a pivot towards online viewing. In order to keep up with these changing trends, Screentime Australia has implemented measures such as providing a wider range of content choices and accommodating the cross-screen ‘spreading’ phenomenon, allowing viewers to access their content on various devices and adjust to their preferred viewing patterns.
Additionally, demographic changes in Australia, such as a decrease in the Free-to-Air audience and an increase in the representation of younger adults in Australian TV dramas, have influenced television viewing habits of Australians. Screentime Australia continually adapts to these shifting trends to ensure their content remains relevant and engaging for their audience.
Developing Innovative Content
To create innovative content, Screentime Australia employs a variety of methods such as stimulating creative abilities like drawing, video production, animations, and comics, as well as cultivating problem-solving abilities through interactive content.
For example, the company has implemented simulation, 3D rendering, and augmented reality experiences in their production process. This use of cutting-edge technology enables Screentime Australia to develop unique and captivating content that sets them apart from other television production companies in the industry.
The Sydney-based Production Company’s Contribution to NSW’s Economy
Television production significantly bolsters the economy of New South Wales (NSW), contributing a total of $11.4 billion (A$16.5 billion) to Australia’s economic output over a span of four years through film and TV incentives. Screentime Australia, as a major player in the industry, has contributed to this economic growth through the creation of jobs and support of local businesses.
It is estimated that Screentime Australia has created up to 810 jobs in NSW. Additionally, the company supports local businesses in the region by providing opportunities for involvement in their projects, such as catering services, location rentals, and hiring local talent and crew members. This helps stimulate the local economy and encourages the growth of small businesses in the area.
Job Creation
Screentime Australia has generated hundreds of jobs in the screen media industry in NSW, offering roles such as:
Sales Coordinator
Social Media Manager
Recruitment Consultant
Systems Tester
This job creation has a positive impact on the local economy and supports the growth of the film and television industry in the region.
The potential for future job creation is promising, as the sustained growth of the screen media industry in Australia positions Screentime Australia to create additional employment opportunities in NSW.
Revenue Generation
Screentime Australia’s primary sources of income include film and video production, post-production services, and potentially merchandising and licensing agreements. While specific information regarding the effect of the Banijay Group’s acquisition on Screentime Australia’s revenue is not available, it is clear that the company has contributed significantly to the overall economic output of the Australian film and television industry.
This revenue generation not only supports the growth and development of Screentime Australia but also stimulates the local economy and provides additional resources for investment in the film and television industry in NSW.
Supporting Local Businesses
Television production companies like Screentime Australia primarily provide support to local businesses, including video production agencies, commercial production companies, and screen practitioners. By offering employment opportunities, investing in local infrastructure, and producing content that highlights local talent and culture, Screentime Australia contributes significantly to the local economy of NSW.
Screentime Australia’s support of local businesses raises the profile of the local culture and talent, increasing the region’s visibility and attracting further investment in the film and television industry.
The Future of Television Production in Australia
As we look towards the future of television production in Australia, the following trends are anticipated:
An increase in TV and VOD content production
A greater emphasis on international collaborations
The impact of new audio and digital devices on the industry
Digital technologies have brought significant change to traditional business models, transforming content production, distribution, and delivery.
As a key player in the Australian television production landscape, Screentime Australia will need to continue adapting to these emerging trends and challenges, leveraging new technologies and fostering international partnerships to ensure continued success in the rapidly evolving media landscape.
Embracing New Technologies
Television production in Australia has been significantly influenced by the advent of new technologies, including:
Smart TVs
OLED, AMOLED, and QLED TVs
Virtual reality
4K video production
Aerial and drone video shooting
Screentime Australia has embraced these advancements, implementing virtual reality technology in their production process to create captivating and interactive experiences for viewers.
By staying ahead of the technological curve and integrating these innovative tools into their production process, Screentime Australia can continue to create high-quality, engaging content that appeals to a wide range of audiences in an ever-changing media landscape.
Diversifying Content Offerings
Strategies employed by Australian television production companies like Screentime Australia to diversify their content include:
Embracing cultural diversity
Addressing social issues
Collaborating with international partners
Investing in new formats and genres
Supporting emerging talent
By diversifying their content offerings, Screentime Australia can:
Expand their current market
Grow their brand presence
Increase sales and revenue
Reach a wider audience
This will ensure their continued success in the competitive television production industry.
Collaborating with International Partners
International collaboration in television production has a number of implications for the future of the industry in Australia. It facilitates increased global production, driven by the demand for content across multiple platforms. Formal agreements between countries enable official co-productions, which draw in filmmakers. Screen Australia’s Co-production program is designed to foster strong relationships with international production partners.
These collaborations contribute to the expansion and diversity of the television industry in Australia, providing access to a wider range of stories, cultural perspectives, and creative approaches, ultimately resulting in more diverse and inclusive content for audiences worldwide.
Summary
In conclusion, the acquisition of Screentime Australia by the Banijay Group has had a profound impact on the Australian film industry, leading to growth, expansion, and the production of innovative content. By embracing new technologies, diversifying content offerings, and collaborating with international partners, Screentime Australia is well-positioned to continue thriving in the ever-evolving media landscape. As the industry continues to adapt and evolve, it is essential for production companies like Screentime Australia to stay ahead of the curve, ensuring that their content remains relevant, engaging, and appealing to audiences both in Australia and around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average screen time in Australia?
Surveys conducted by Reviews.org and Tech Guide have revealed that, on average, Australians spend 5.5 hours each day on their smartphones – 33% of their waking hours. This figure is even higher for 18-24 year olds (7.4 hours) and 25-34 year olds (7.5 hours).
How much screen time should kids have Australia?
For children in Australia, it is recommended to have no screen time for those under 2 years, no more than 1 hour per day for those aged 2-5 years, and no more than two hours of recreational screen time per day for those aged 5-17 years.
What is the average screen time for a 12 year old Australia?
A 12 year old in Australia is spending on average three hours per week-day and almost four hours per weekend day in front of a screen, amounting to up to 30% of a child’s waking time.
How many hours of screen time per day?
For adults, limiting screen time to two hours or less per day is recommended by experts.
What was the main motivation behind Banijay Group’s acquisition of Screentime Australia?
Banijay Group’s acquisition of Screentime Australia was motivated by its desire to expand its international production conglomerate and gain a majority stake in a successful local company, thereby allowing it to enter the Australian market and benefit from Screentime’s lucrative television franchises.
