Shooting in Australia

	Television Format
		Australian broadcast television uses the PAL format. It is possible to rent NTSC cameras here but the costs are higher than PAL. PAL to NTSC tape transfers can be organized locally (normally overnight), and it is often the most economical way to go.
	Climate
		We are physically on the opposite side of the globe to North America and Europe which means our time zone and seasons are pretty much reversed. For Asia our time zones are not so different but our seasons are. Across Australia our climate is quite diverse, in our summertime the extreme north is hot and humid with temperatures in the high 30°Cs and occasionally experiencing tropical cyclones. The centre of Australia is extremely hot at this time, often temperatures are in the mid 40°Cs. The cooler months from May to late September are the more comfortable times to visit these areas, when their climate is most pleasant. The east coast from Brisbane to Melbourne has mild winters and warm summers, while most of our rain falls in the summer months any time of the year is good for filming. This is the most densely populated part of our country. The south and west of our continent has more of a Mediteranean climate with hot dry summers. Daytime temperatures in Adelaide and Perth are normally in the mid 30°Cs and highest rainfall is in the winter months. The only snowfall in Australia is on the high country of the Great Dividing range between Canberra and Melbourne where their are some excellent ski resorts open between early June and late September. Our southern most state, the island of Tasmania has a cooler climate, similar to Europe with occasional snowfall in winter. Throughout Australia sun light can be harsh and during summer from directly overhead. Australia is a large and often sparsley populated country, distances between towns can be deceptively large. (Sydney to Melbourne or Brisbane is almost 1,000kms). Travel in the more remote areas of the outback should be planned carefully and local knowledge sought.

Working with Australian Crews

Australian film crews have an excellent reputation worldwide, both for their skills and willingness to work hard. Unusual or difficult tasks are regarded as a challenge and taken on with an attitude of "just to prove we can do it". We also believe work should be an enjoyable task, otherwise why do it?

You'll find us less formal, the hierarchal structure of the crew less visible and generally everyone addressing each other by their first names, nicknames or "mate". We also have a sense of humour, we enjoy a practical joke and "sending each other up". I once recall a Japanese director and DOP wading out to a camera platform in a lake, when someone (probably a grip) shouted out "Croc!". I never realised Japanese could walk, no run, on water but I've seen it now. Their arrival on the bank was greeted with much laughter from the Aussies and their response, - "Ah, no crocodile in central Australia". Smiles all round, it's just good fun or a bit of "larrikinism".

After work you'll find us enjoying a beer (we like it cold) together and frequently outdoors making the most of our wonderful climate. We're a friendly bunch.

You'll frequently here Aussies greeting each other with, "G'day mate, ows it go-in.' this translates to, "Hullo friend (or Sir or Madam), how are you today".

Useful Information

Equipment

Australia has a prolific film and television industry and virtually any equipment or facilities you require is available here.

http://www.lemac.com.au/ Film and video rentals, sales, repairs. My choice.
http://www.panavision.com.au/ Worldwide facilities, American spoken here.
http://www.cameraquip.com.au/ Film equipment hire including Moviecam.
http://www.macdp.com/petermac/index.html Underwater cinematography and photography.

Film Offices

http://www.afc.gov.au/ Australian Film Commission.
http://www.fto.nsw.gov.au/ New South Wales Film and Television Office.
http://www.pftc.com.au/ Pacific Film and Television Commission. Queensland.
http://www.safilm.com.au/ South Australian Film Corporation.
http://www.screen.tas.gov.au/ Screen Tasmania.
http://www.screenwest.com.au/ Screenwest. Western Australia.

Airlines

Our national carrier is Qantas, with a reputation as one of the safest airlines in the world. Because of distance flying is recommended between state capital cities.
http://www.qantas.com.au/info/worldwide Qantas, international and domestic flights.
http://www.virginblue.com.au/ International and budget domestic flights.

Australian Film and Television & Advertising Directory

http://www.filmtvbiz.com.au/ Probably all the information you'll need for a small registration fee.