June 2, 2016
The dilemma for the union has always been the threat that if the producer can't import then the production doesn't go on thus jeopardising the opportunities of many others. But this has rarely happened. We probably always cave or the Government is convinced by the pleading producer. Importing makes sense when there is a skill set, an ethnicity or peculiarity that we in Australia can't provide...the deal was always that an exhaustive audition process has taken place.
I have a feeling that over the last few years producers have cut corners with auditions and have cut off and cut down opportunities. A lot of this has been as a result of using specialised casting agents restricted by their budgets and experience, and imported Directors who have no feel or concern for the careers of Aust...