FAQ

The NFSA is proud to manage and distribute the Film Australia Collection, previously held by Screen Australia, as of 1 July 2011.

These Frequently Asked Questions provide detailed public information regarding the 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.

What is the Film Australia Collection?

It is a diverse range of approximately 5,000 titles of quality Australian documentary and educational programs, spanning a century of the nation’s film production.

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 took effect from 1 July 2011.

What exactly is being transferred?

Not all of the Screen Australia Library was 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) produced by the former Film Australia Ltd and its predecessor agencies or acquired from third party producers.

Why was the Screen Australia Library transferred to the NFSA?

As the national cultural institution with responsibility for preserving and providing access to 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.

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 Film Australia Collection Library manages 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.

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 the NFSA’s Sydney Office address: PO Box 397, Pyrmont NSW 2009. You will also notice the NFSA logo and ABN on any invoices that you receive.

Is the Zero Fee Licence (ZFL) initiative continuing under the NFSA?

Yes. The current Zero Fee Licence (ZFL) initiative is continuing 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 NFSA copyright material for a no fee All Rights, All Media, In Perpetuity licence.

Does 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 has continued from 1 July 2011.

Who can I contact for more information?

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

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