Olsberg SPI, in partnership with Screen Australia, recently released a Production Infrastructure and Capacity Analysis examining Australia’s screen production capacity across physical production, post‑production, VFX, animation and digital games. The report reaffirms Australia’s reputation as a world‑class destination for high‑value screen production, while also identifying structural challenges that could impact long‑term sustainability, including skills shortages in below‑the‑line crew and constrained training and career pathways.

A key finding of the analysis is the need for targeted workforce development to support growing production demand. The report explicitly acknowledges education‑led responses as part of the solution, including Griffith Film School’s new Diploma of Technical Screen Production, cited as a welcome measure addressing shortages in entry‑level technical crew roles.

Developed in close collaboration with industry, the Diploma offers a one‑year, practice‑led pathway into film, television and digital media production. Its curriculum prioritises hands‑on training, with students rotating through essential crew roles including camera, lighting and sound assistance, production support and art department work. Core learning areas cover technical operations, set safety, crew protocols and location logistics, reflecting real industry workflows.

Training takes place in Griffith Film School’s purpose‑built facilities using professional‑grade equipment, and is delivered by experienced screen practitioners. The program culminates in a capstone course that leverages Griffith's relationships with local industry to place students into crew rotations across simulated and live professional contexts - building confidence, adaptability and on‑set readiness.

As highlighted in the Olsberg SPI analysis, initiatives such as the Diploma play an important role in strengthening Australia’s below‑the‑line workforce, supporting capacity, resilience and continued global competitiveness in the screen sector.