AUSTRALIAN TV DRAMA: MONEY MATTERS
Where does the finance for TV drama come from? How do producers put together budgets for individual projects? How has this changed compared to ten years ago?
THE QUICK READ
Scripted TV drama (including comedy) is generally the most expensive form of television content to make. It is a risky investment, involving significant upfront costs that may or may not be fully recovered in the marketplace. But when it works with viewers it really works, providing broadcasters with flagship programming and building strong viewer loyalty over many years. Just look at two recent programs – A Place to Call Home and Offspring – both discontinued by their respective networks and subsequently revived following campaigns from devoted audiences.