Record distributions, the finalisation of agreements with all Australian Universities and the expansion of Screenrights’ Government Copying Declaration to include the downloading of audio-visual material from the internet are some of the 2015-2016 financial year highlights released at the company’s AGM held in Sydney last night.
In a strong financial year for the collecting society, Screenrights’ collections totalled $47.8 million, and increase of $2 million on 2014-2015. Distributions to members totalled $43.1 million, an increase of 11.7% on the previous year. This included $26.6 million paid in the major December payment run, and covered 4780 payments on a staggering 8.3 million royalties. Screenrights International distributed a record $1.6 million from overseas collecting societies to more than 2,000 members, while Disbursements by Screenrights continues to consolidate its position within the local film and television industry.
Screenrights Chairman Jill Bryant said “providing a high level of member service while continuing to innovate and prepare for the future is central to Screenrights’ ethos and key to maintaining our ongoing success. Screenrights continues to explore ways in which it can provide value to the screen industry. Disbursements by Screenrights is quickly securing its position in the disbursements market and providing a valuable service for Australian filmmakers and their investors.”
Screenrights Chief Executive Simon Lake said, “We are pleased to announce such strong results in a rapidly changing copyright environment. The results are testament to Screenrights’ ability to provide value for our members whilst also preparing for the future and contributing to the wider industry.
“In the coming year Screenrights will be investing in its streaming service EnhanceTV Direct to ensure that we continue to provide access for content users and payment for content creators. This investment will be crucial in strengthening our licences and growing our capabilities for future business.
“We look forward to an exciting and challenging year ahead in which we will continue to develop our services and work with the screen industry, government, educators and consumers.”
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