Australia’s screen industry has reached a significant production milestone, but the numbers tell a more complicated story than a simple boom. Screen Australia’s Drama Report for 2024–25, published in December 2025, recorded $2.7 billion in expenditure on drama production in Australia. That was a record for the survey and 43 per cent higher than the previous financial year. The result reflects both Australian storytelling and international projects made with Australian crews and facilities.
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The report counted 174 titles entering production, including 71 Australian titles. Local productions represented about $1.1 billion of expenditure, a 14 per cent rise from 2023–24. Yet the number of Australian titles fell from 89 to 71. More money was being spent across fewer projects, highlighting why a rising total does not necessarily mean that more writers, directors or independent production companies are finding opportunities.
Large-budget films were particularly important. Spending on Australian theatrical features increased to $379 million, up from $215 million, while the number made fell from 38 to 34. Screen Australia linked the increase to a small group of expensive features. A major production can provide substantial work for technicians and suppliers, but its presence also makes annual totals sensitive to the timing of a handful of projects.
International activity was a major source of growth. Screen Australia reported a record $1 billion spent in Australia on 20 overseas feature films. International productions bring financial activity into studios, equipment businesses, transport services and accommodation providers. Their budgets should not, however, be confused with money automatically available to make original Australian films. Foreign productions and domestic creative projects may use many of the same resources while operating under very different financing arrangements.
