Netflix surpasses A$1bn in Australian content investment
November 9, 2023
In the past four years (2019-2023) that Netflix has been reporting its investment to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), the streaming
service has invested over A$1 billion (€0.6bn) on new Australian and Australian-related Netflix films and shows. The figure includes over $500 million on new kids and young adult programming and over $450 million on new adult drama.
Netflix adds that is has invested in over 80 new films and shows filmed across Australia as of 2023. More than 95 per cent of Netflix’s total 2022/23 spend on Australian content was on new stories (commissioned, co-commissioned and acquired first run) across three main genres: kids, drama & documentary versus only 5 per cent on the licensing of older films and shows.
In a blog post, Netflix wrote: “Why are we doing this? Because we know it’s what our audience wants. Australia is not all kangaroos and koalas, and we are committed to depicting a broader definition of what it means to be Australian on screens. This includes telling stories about Aussie drill rap in OneFour: Against All Odds, showcasing comedians like Hannah Gadsby through standup specials like Nanette and Douglas and exploring everyday relationships seen on Emmy Award winning Love on the Spectrum. We provide a home for stories about Australians like True Spirit, stories that showcase Australia like A Perfect Pairing, and stories that let our Australian creatives shine, like Clickbait. All of which have a place in bringing the best of Australian storytelling to our members in Australia and around the world.”