FAQ

Transfer of the Film Australia Collection and the Library (formerly Screen Australia Library) and the Sales and Distribution (formerly Screen Australia Sales) programs to the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia as of 1 July 2011.

The NFSA is proud to manage and distribute the Film Australia Collection, previously held by Screen Australia as of 1 July, 2011. The associated Library, Sales and Distribution programs are also to be transferred at the same time.

These Frequently Asked Questions are designed to provide detailed public information regarding the transfer.

What is the Film Australia Collection?

It is a diverse range of over 5,000 titles of quality Australian documentary and educational programs, spanning a century of the nation’s film production. You can view the collection here.

How is the transfer being legally effected?

The transfer of the Film Australia Collection was effected by passage of the Screen Australia (Transfer of Assets) Bill 2010 and takes effect from 1 July 2011.

What exactly is being transferred?

Not all of the Screen Australia Library is being transferred, only the part that existed under the management of Film Australia Ltd as at 30 June 2008, prior to the transfer to Screen Australia.

The Film Australia Collection consists of approximately 5000 titles (and associated materials – inventories, films, video tape, digital files, stills, screeners, documentation, packaging, catalogues, promotional materials, etc) produced by the former Film Australia Ltd and its predecessor agencies or acquired from third party producers.

Why is the Screen Australia Library being transferred to the NFSA?

As the national cultural institution with responsibility for taking care of and sharing Australia’s audiovisual heritage, the collection has a natural home with the NFSA. The transfer of the Film Australia Collection follows on from the successful transfer to the NFSA of former Screen Australia Digital Learning websites in 2010.

The NFSA will be able to preserve the Film Australia Collection for future generations through an active preservation program, and develop and provide exciting access opportunities to showcase the Collection.

I own copyright in items held in the Screen Australia Library; will my ownership rights be transferred with these items to the NFSA?

Yes. The contracts with holders of copyright associated with the items held in the Film Australia Collection will be legally transferred to the NFSA under the legislation.

What about existing licences, agreements and contractual obligations with the Screen Australia Library collection? Will these be transferred to the NFSA?

Yes. The Program Sales function relating to the commercial use of films belonging to the Screen Australia Library Collection will be transferring to the NFSA. It will manage current and ongoing program licenses, domestic and international distribution agreements and contractual obligations, and entitlements and royalties to investors and producers of the Film Australia and National Interest Programs which will also be transferred under the legislation.

The Library will continue to manage the collection’s footage and stills licensing as well as access to the National Documentary Program materials , third party rights and restricted materials, including Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property rights.

I am an audio visual producer. Will the transfer affect my access to the Film Australia Collection?

There will be very little impact on the operations provided by the library and program sales teams and it will be essentially business as usual for people wanting to access that portion of the library being transferred.

When will the Library and Program Sales be open for business again?

On 1 July, 2011 the Film Australia Collection (FAC) will be moving to the NFSA and our aim is to re-open for business on Monday 4 July to take orders. Buyers will have to wait at least a week before we are able to invoice for them to receive their DVDs.

For all Library enquiries from 1 July
email: faclibrary@nfsa.gov.au
ph: +61 2 8202 0142

For all Program Sales enquiries from 1 July
email: facprogramsales@nfsa.gov.au
ph: +61 2 8202 0144

Will the current Program Sales and Library bank account details change?

No. The current bank account details will remain the same. However, any invoices requesting payment must be addressed to the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia and sent to our new address at Pyrmont. The new address is PO Box 397, Pyrmont NSW 2009. You will also notice the NFSA logo and ABN on any invoices that you receive.

Will the Zero Fee Licence (ZFL) initiative be continued under the NFSA?

Yes. The current Zero Fee Licence (ZFL) initiative will be continued under the NFSA and managed by the Film Australia Collection Library. The ZFL allows eligible Australian documentary producers to use up to 40 stills and up to 10 minutes of non-continuous Screen Australia copyright material for a no fee All Rights, All Media, In Perpetuity licence.

What is happening with the staff of the programs being transferred?

All staff except one are transferring to the NFSA and relocating to our Sydney office at 45 Murray Street, Pyrmont. The facilities transfer suite currently based at Lindfield is also being relocated to the NFSA’s Sydney Office.

Will the Film Australia Collection preservation material currently in the custody of the National Archives of Australia remain with the NAA from 1 July, 2011?

Yes. The present preservation program undertaken by the NAA will continue from 1 July, 2011.

Who can I contact for more information?

Harry Ree – Sales and Royalties Manager for the Film Australia Collection
email: harry.ree@nfsa.gov.au
ph: + 61 2 8202 0138

Anna Nolan – Library Manager for the Film Australia Collection
email: anna.nolan@nfsa.gov.au
ph: +61 2 8202 0137

The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia would like to thank everyone for their support in relation to these arrangements.