You set up a company for your production business. It’s a smart move. Asset protection, investor flexibility, a professional structure for grants and funding. All good things. But there’s a piece of tax law that comes with the territory, and if you haven’t heard of Division 7A yet, it’s worth getting across. It’s not complicated
Division 7A: What Filmmakers Running a Company Need to Know Read More »
At Above The Line Accounting, we’ve always believed that the strength of Australia’s screen industry lies in its community. It’s a community built on creativity, resilience, and diversity, and one with a proud history of supporting each other.
Why We Support Ones To Watch: 5 Reasons We Back Emerging Producers Read More »
Had a big year financially? It can be great: until tax time, when you not only need to pay more, but may also get slugged with a PAYG instalment for next year based on that big income. It’s enough to make you cry into your popcorn.
What Filmmakers Need To Know About Special Professional Income Averaging Read More »
Screen Australia introduced a major overhaul to its funding guidelines, marking one of the biggest updates in years. Now in effect as of July 2025, the changes will impact your budget, production timeline, and funding strategy if you’re looking for financial support from Screen Australia. We’ve broken down the key elements that impact filmmakers of
What Filmmakers Need to Know About the New 2025 Screen Australia Guidelines Read More »
Depending on whether you have an SPV, and the timing of expenses, spending money on a film can take several forms…
Managing Your Production Expenses in order to claim QAPE Read More »
Making a film is the ultimate act of creative collaboration. We know that filmmaking requires a whole crew of people: actors, directors, producers, production designers, editors, and more – all collaborating on the one vision.
Do I Need to Pay Superannuation to Sole Traders? A Guide for Aussie Film Productions Read More »
A Producer Offset claim requires a Producer Offset audit before you submit your application to Screen Australia. This is an independent audit of your Qualifying Australian Production Expenditure, or QAPE, spreadsheet. The Producer Offset audit is a legal requirement, separate from a production audit (which some investors request to confirm spend against their investment). Both
Preparing for Producer Offset and Production Audits Read More »
A generalist accountant isn’t set up for the reporting deadlines, cost monitoring and industry timelines unique to film and TV production. Production accountants are financial specialists who understand production cycles, keep cast and crew paid on time, prepare regular cost reports against budget, and set up reporting from day one to align with Producer Offset
The benefits of hiring a production accountant Read More »
Applying for the Producer Offset comes down to two certificates and one tax return. You can start with a Provisional Certificate from Screen Australia before production begins, which confirms you’re on the right track. Once your film’s done, you apply for a Final Certificate, which locks in your QAPE and confirms you’ve met the Australian
How do I apply for the Producer Offset? Read More »
There will come a time in the life-cycle of your business when you may need to reconsider the legal structure under which your business operates. Such considerations and restructuring can be prompted by new business opportunities for growth and development, or you may wish to take advantage of lower company tax rates, perhaps you want
Business Structures for Filmmakers Read More »
