Nomination Eligibility – Performer in Film or Television – Not Subsidised by Government

The sponsor must lodge a nomination.

Nomination requirements

To nominate a position the sponsor should:

• have been approved as an entertainment sponsor
  or
• have already lodged an application to become an approved entertainment sponsor.

For a nomination to be approved:

• the nominated position must be for a performer to take part in a film or television production that is not subsidised in whole or in part by a government in Australia
• the nominated person is required to perform:
  • in a leading, major supporting or cameo role, and
  • to satisfy ethnic or other special requirements of the production
• the nominated person is required to have a performing contract
• the nominated person must be supported by a certificate given by Office for the Arts (OFTA), Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet
• the sponsor must hold any necessary licences in respect of the work to which the nomination relates
• the sponsor must have consulted with relevant Australian unions in relation to the employment or engagement of the nominated person in Australia.

The salary or wages payable to you must be in accordance with Australian labour laws and practices.

If there is no award, and it is not a volunteer position, you must receive at least the minimum federal award rate.

Arts certificate

Your application must be supported by a certificate given by OFTA confirming:

• citizens or residents of Australia have been afforded a reasonable opportunity to participate in all levels of production
• the foreign investment, or the private investment guaranteed against the foreign returns by a distributor, in the production, is greater than the amount to be expended on entertainers sponsored for entry.
  Note: The certificate can be provided after the applications are lodged but a decision cannot be made until the department receives OFTA's support.

All enquiries should be directed to the desk officer in OFTA.
Email: foreignactors@pm.gov.au
Telephone: 02 6210 2846
See: Film – foreign actors for film or television

Union consultation

You are required to consult with the relevant union in relation to the nominated person’s employment or engagement in Australia, unless the engagement is for non-profit purposes. This consultation should be undertaken before you lodge the nomination.

Musicians and conductors
The Musicians Union of Australia (MUA) should be consulted in connection with applications for performing musicians and conductors. The MUA also covers nominations where the application involves vocalists who are part of a band or other musical group and vocalists who are also instrumentalists of any kind.
Email: muaimports@gmail.com
Telephone: 03 9355 7620

All other applications
The Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance should be consulted in connection with all other applications.
Email: imports@alliance.org.au
Telephone: 1300 656 513

Supporting documentation

The sponsor must provide the following documentation with their nomination:

• a performing contract pertaining to the nominated person’s performances in Australia
• an itinerary of the engagements specifying dates and venues of performances
• a certificate given by OFTA
• any licences required in respect of the work to which the nomination relates
• evidence that the relevant union has been consulted.

Before lodging an application, please read all related requirements.
See: Eligibility