Hollywood has less sharks than Australia: Matt Norman

What a fantastic story about a fantastic guy that always stands up to say it how it is. What makes this story so great is the fact that Norman deserves all the credit he gets after what he went through making his film Salute. It’s great that he isn’t leaving these shores for good because we need filmmakers with his vision to give us a shot at supporting local greats like Norman with great Australian stories. When we get such talented people like him who need industry support go o.s then isn’t it time we listen to these filmmakers a bit more to keep not only our talent here but our talents films as well. I wonder what would happen if the Australian industry supported the likes of Matt? Having a few Hollywood films in this country should generate a few million dollars into the industry shouldn’t it? Being forced to find support in a whole new country and have a-list actors attached tells the story of what shape we’re in here. Shame.. maybe now we should start culling the sharks and bring back the swimmers! Congratulations Australia, we just watched another great talent swim offshore to safer waters. Another proud Aussie and we will sit back and watch others cut him and others like him down for trying to help a dying film industry. Will Australia one day wake up and realize that we can claim this guy as a real Aussie and start handing back the Aussie’s we claim as our own like Crowe and Gibson.

Thank you Matt for being the only person who is succesful to stand up for the reSt of us. You are a visionary with a huge heart and master craftsman. Aeromedical that Hollywood is taking you. They probably love Australian industry dumping on thier ow. Industry. Makes it easier for them to pick our best like you.

Why is it that we have an industry that does this to our best talents.? It’s almost like when we get someone good they are stripped of all opportunity and then made to dance like monkey’s. As Peter Norman (From Matt Norman’s film Salute) did, maybe we should all stand up for an industry that supports people like his nephew Matt Norman. The Olympic people in this country didn’t stand up to support Peter Norman so maybe we should stand up and support his nephew.
I have heard amazing things about Scab girl asylum and can’t wait to see that come out in this country. Sue Treweek is as you’ve described her on various forums “one of the strongest women you’ve met”. I feel the same way. To know that you are again taking on a story that effects hundreds of thousands of Australia’s Forgotten orphans (Forgotten Australians) to make a feature film about Sue and her horrific story goes to show your heart is in the right place.
How does someone like me invest money into someone like you. I would like to be a part of your company growth. Would be better than investing into banks. At least you have the heart and dedication to have your films seen no matter what the consequence is to you. Well done. I am again inspired by your attitude and dedication. For that you have a fan for life.

I see Matt Norman is still up to his usual tricks of writing flattering letters and articles about himself under other peoples names! Nothing but a shameless self promoter who bites the very hand that feeds him. Hollywood will smell your BS from over here and they will eat you alive!! Join the reality check line please Mr Norman!

Hi JACKO (Love to know your real name)

When ever I have written anything to do with the disgrace that is this industry and it’s players like yourself I have always used a Real name, real email, and real voice to standup against the likes of you. It seems you are the one that isn’t using your name or giving the readers here the opportunity of knowing who and what you are representing in your statement.

I am aware of the fact that most people who are jealous of those like me who go out and make something of themselves through dedication and am aware of others trying to put me in my place but JACKO you sound like the very sharks I’m hunting in this latest story. If you were in-fact someone with more intelligence to the subject matter you would know my story and understand the frustration I have for a fraudulent system who look after dead beats like you have been “Obviously”. Please email your abuse to me direct as I’m always happy to hear from my abusers!

With kindest regards

Matt Norman
http://www.wingmanpictures.com
mattnorman@wingmanpictures.com
http://www.salutethemovie.com

Funny he would say that considering how some of the people who worked on his earlier films for nothing were treated once he had a paying gig.

So true Matt, unfortunately some of us are stuck in Australia for various reasons and so we are stifled by a corrupt system. New talent is not nutured here, most first time directors never get to make another film. There isn’t any money, so good luck for those who can get to the US.
sam

You totally nailed it, and is the reason I started Dare-2-Audition. I saw the industry as a ‘boys club’, that didnt let anyone else in. So, I found ways to bypass these invisible industry rules and are hopefully helping lower to medium budget filmmakers, and talented emerging & freelance actors, to move forward. In an industry, that not just had closed doors, it has no doors, for some.

I am Proud there are other Aussies, with drive an open mind and vision. They’ll love you over in the USA, as they do all our talented, hardworking people.

Good luck, not that you’ll need it.
Helen
D2A

I just wanted to add a comment to my two fans above Jacko and truth. Jacko is either someone I’m outing for being one of the boys club or one of the people that are to blame for the demise of the Aus industry and well Truth, there isn’t much there pal. I always use the same creatives in all of my films who have worked as collaborators with me for many years so I’m unsure of this uninformed rant of me ditching people I’ve worked with in the past to now move on to others for future projects? You obviously have me mistaken for someone else. You’ll see that I use the same people and will continue to use the sam people on all my films because the fact is they were with me when I started and I want them with me when I make it. So get your facts right before adding to the boys club mentality..

It would be brave to also do as everyone else has done here and used your real name if you want to slag someone off. I do as an example of sticking to my opinion and owning my voice. You both are obviously those people that don’t live by any example and to be honest put you in a category of industry that I as a professional filmmaker will never live up to anyway. So I wish you well. Maybe you would be better off challenging your theories and having the nuts to have others challenge yours. Isn’t that how this industry should run? I think so…

Matt Norman
http://www.wingmanpictures.com
mattnorman@wingmanpictures.com (in case you feel the need to shout)

I think its really important regardless of the apparent work ethic, or lack there of Matt Norman, that there are loads of Aussie trying to create an industry for them selves, despite being restricted by traditional bureaucratic dinosaurs, government funding and legislation. But the key is that these talented people should also see the bigger picture and work together rather against each other to create an industry.

Film making is ultimately a business, art is the by product (an amazing by-prouduct), but people should start treating and thinking about film-making as business that can make money and that can compete with the international product.

Throw out the old mindset, processes and policies and give the entrepreneurial film makers a chance. Support, rather than bitch. Share insight, rather than battle each other for what is inevitably up hill battle to secure funding.

Clearly the talent is here. Australia has a strong economy (pending mining taxes outcome) and there are private and corporate players who believe in the arts and its really important to show these players that we as an “industry” support each other achievements. Its only going to benefit each person having a crack at their dream.

Change the mold, change the attitudes, change the mindset.

Matt – Well done and good luck for the future!

“Jacko” — you sound very bitter, I’m sure your next Screen Australia grant will come through soon, just keep brown-nosing like the rest!

I assume Matt Norman meant to say “Hollywood has fewer sharks than Australia”.

Well done Matt , Pete is proud and looking down , I am sure Scab Girl will be a huge success as is Salute , many of expat aussies have seen salute and loved it . well done

[Note from the editor: This comment has been edited for legal reasons]

I don’t think deleting posts is the way to go but if it is. One might consider Matt Norman’s use of the terms ‘dead beats’, ‘dodgy’, ‘disgrace’ and ‘sharks’ as inflammatory. Shame on Encore for giving Matt Norman a forum to air his personal grievances in the first place.

I hope you see fit to publish this mildly critical response, I’m sure others would see it to be pertinent. If you leave their posts up that is.

John (we’ll call you that for the sake of being cute), I think the mistake most people make in this industry is listening to people who actually can’t use their actual name to make a statement. Am I outspoken? yes, am I passionate? yes. Am I educated? Yes. What I am NOT is scared of standing up for a belief in this industry that seems to far removed from the industry you obviously require to succeed. Our funding bodies don’t seem to answer to anyone because people like you aren’t willing to stick your neck out to be taken seriously. My uncle Peter Norman (bag him and i’ll hunt you down) stood up when it wasn’t cool to do so…
I have a legitimate beef with Screen Australia (not because I haven’t been funded by them) because I was funded with Australian tax payers money and brought an issue of corruption and fraud to them to be investigated without any reply.
[Note from the editor: This comment has been edited for legal reasons]

It’s important to Encore readers who take this matter seriously that they understand that I’ll take the criticism from an uneducated public that hasn’t heard the facts of my case. I will NOT take criticism from the very person who continues to RIP OFF the industry that I am a part of.

John (my INSTINCT says that this is not your name), I put this one simple question to you… Are you MAN enough to tell us your real name so that if you actually have something worth anything more than just Matt Norman this or Matt Norman that, you can share with the Industry readers of Encore.

[Note from the editor: This comment has been edited for legal reasons]

To the 152 people who have emailed me direct with your own personal stories of bad management within our funding bodies, I thank you… Can I ask that you all put your complaints in writing if not publically at least to Screen Australia. They WILL NOT listen but eventually heads will roll and we might get a funding body that finally learns how to spend tax payer money with honor and respect rather than kickbacks and under the table hand shakes.

I am currently seeking advice as to my options in naming names and releasing documents that will prove and horrify industry members into the scam I found myself in back in 2008. Be a critic but don’t forget that I’m the one standing up for those who still fear a system that won’t ever support them. I’ll risk that for the true respect I give to my craft and hopefully bring about change that is so needed right now.

If there is enough pressure I’m sure I’ll be able to be transparent on the actual dealings I’ve had with a certain production company and state/federal funding body.

If not then I’ll fight in on my own. I’m used to that… I have a career that I’m proud of and a body of work that I’m happy with and a future that will no doubt give other great practioners a chance to have their own work seen. My hope is to build a new industry to take over the one that can’t facilitate the public opinion right now.

Thanks Encore for being such a great industry Magazine and forum for real filmmakers to be educated. You’re the only one capable of not being infected as others have. Well done.! John, call me!!!!! 🙂

All I know is that Matt always supports my work as an actor, always gets back to me when I ask him to consider me for roles in his projects, and always treats me as an equal. We’ve only met once – about 7 years ago – when he drove almost 2 hours to pick me up from Melbourne because he didn’t want me having to catch a bus or train to Ballarat for an audition. He introduced me to his wonderful wife and kids, then auditioned me for one of his earlier projects and dropped me back to Melbourne. Now that’s a guy who cares about his actors.

No one ever got anywhere by bluggering a Country, their colleagues or an entire Industry. Australia is tough, small market, not much audience and even greater challenges with limited Government spending in the arts and content restrictions. We have no Studios or tranditional ways of financing movies… with that said, why are some of the Worlds BEST talent from our land? Peter Weir, Baz, Luketic, PJ Hogan, Michod, Edgerton and Doolan now kicking goals. Remember, the Australian critics sank “Australia” before anyone ever got to see it and if we don’t have each others back.. who will.
I’ve been in the States for years, but I remember where I came from and respect everything that a tough skin has taught me. It’s not easy, for anyone, anywhere. Respect, goes a long way. Don’t loose it, it’s not gracious.

Bianca, are you serious? Do you not see how your native, Australia, wronged one of it’s own? Let’s get back to brass tacks here you idiotic people (Biana and Jacko.) If said producer, Matt Norman, was wronged by a financial institution that is part of his country–why is it unfair for him to state such? Why is it out of line for him to voice his opinion? Couldn’t the same be said about the athletes depicted in the film, Salute? What if they hadn’t stood up for what THEY believed in, AGAINST the biggots in their country–what would have happened then? I will tell you. Human rights would never have been as successful as they were here in America. AND THAT’S A REALITY.

KUDOS to you Mr. Norman. For standing up, for voicing your opinion, for taking a strong stance on a situation that so many others can’t find the backbone to do themselves. Thank you for making this incredible film. I know understand how Australia not only could have honored your uncle, Peter Norman, but could be called “sharks” when it comes down to having integrity in financial institutions.

Bianca – If AU is so great, why don’t you live there still?

The way to determine you are speaking the truth, and standing up for something controversial — when people get mad, scared and angry.

Congratulations Matt Norman. This is just the beginning of an exciting whirlwind of a ride in a successful seat at the helm of filmmaking!

Bianca, I agree with you in part. “Australia” the Baz masterpiece was sunk before it’s release. What an incredible film by an incredible director and visionary. Baz to me is someone I can easily look up to for inspiration. His greatest achievement was to believe in his journey. Australian industry bagged his film because they hate real achievements. We have a REALLY BAD tall poppy attitude in this country that cuts down sportsman, filmmakers, actors and political leaders. That mentality comes from people who don’t like change, who can’t see past old boy’s club ways. People that cut down an industry by stating that we need to support the dogs of this industry so they can continue to put the same crap onto our screens is ludicrous.

You stated — “No one ever got anywhere by bluggering a Country, their colleagues or an entire Industry.”

My answer to that is this.. No one will ever get anywhere if a country and its industry allow Government funding bodies and rouge producers attack the very core of our industry (being New talent) by disabling them and asking them to suck it up when they rape the very industry they are meant to be supporting. Why is it that you think I’m actually standing up against Screen Australia when my film SALUTE was funded nearly $2M. Ask yourself..??? I’m standing up because I found out the hard way that by accepting these funds that Screen Australia have a system in play with no checks and balances, no integrity, no honor and a boys club that shut down around you when you quiz them on criminal and fraudulent behaviour.

[Note from the editor: This comment has been edited for legal reasons]

Don’t stand by and bow to an industry that is currently laughing at you. Don’t stand by an industry that is run within a special club of golden handshakes and arse sniffing. STANDUP for an industry that is full of incredible talent, incredible possibility, incredible change and the very best cast and crew in the World. STANDUP for that and you will see that this industry will flourish like I believe is POSSIBLE.

Screen Australia have one bullet left. I want them to turn it onto themselves and finally put to rest the club that represents greed, rejection, obvious neglect and especially ego.

This is my industry. This is your industry. If change doesn’t happen then i’m afraid our real talent won’t get Australian stories that should be made to it’s audiences who are craving something different.

[Note from the editor: This comment has been edited for legal reasons]
I am publically through this industry forum asking Screen Australia to allow me ONE meeting with the CEO of this industry… I’m not getting any answer… Why is that so? why won’t a Government body using Aussie tax payers money want to know the evidence I have of corruption, fraud and criminal behaviour inside their own ranks.. If I was a betting man I would suggest that the reason is pretty obvious…. Their looking after their mates and never thought that someone funded would turn around and bite them when these things were going on.

I am happy to get funding but not at the expense of what I have had to deal with in the past four hears. Encore, obviously from the response above maybe we should put this story on the front cover of your magazine so that the people who I can name can explain themselves to the industry so that the industry can kick them back into the shark infested waters of disgrace.

Good on you for speaking out, Matt.

I interned briefly at a few production companies in New York in 2007 and the workplace culture there was extremely refreshing, certainly in stark contrast to what I’ve experienced here in Sydney over the past 5 years. Over there – incompetent people got fired on the spot, while others got the opportunity to be promoted. Those who were promoted had to prove themselves every day on the basis of their work. In addition, most people were very generous with their knowledge and new talent was rewarded and highly sort after. As was excellence.

The problem with ‘mateship’ and looking after your mates is that excellence often comes off second best. I haven’t experienced the sort of criminal and fraudulent behaviour that you’ve mentioned, but the general culture I’ve experienced is unhealthy (with notable exceptions). I will consider my options about moving overseas in the next couple of years and I have many talented friends who are also considering a move or have already done so.

Hey Jacko.. Cut and paste that did you.. Read it before, about many..

So Matt and other’s (not the majority ) prefer to say it as it is and to be a part of things that are big,, big not for $$$’s but for story’s that should be told, and are willing to stand up for heart and sole.

Be pro-active, make a stand, many won’t like you. Do we give a Dam.. Better to stand up and be heard than hang out like a member of a herd.

Great debate going on here. An important one. Here’s my 10 cents worth – the latest in a series of letters to Peter Garrett regarding the lack of accountability and transparency in Screen Australia.

The Hon Peter Garrett
Minister for the Arts
GPO Box 787
Canberra, ACT 2601 18th June 2010

Dear Minister

Further to my letters of 3rd and 24th. February and the 2nd, 9th. and 24th March.

I wrote to the Ombudsman (copy of letter enclosed) and have been requested by his office to supply all the documents that will verify the truth of what I have written in my letters. I will, with some reluctance, do so. My reluctance stems not only from my awareness that it will be an exercise in futility (even if the Ombudsman finds in my favour) but because I believe very strongly that there should be some mechanism in place within your Ministry to deal with complaints such as mine; that it should not be necessary to ask the Ombudsman to deal with them.

A couple of nights ago I attended an industry meeting at which Ruth Harley spoke. She presented a very rosy picture of our industry. There were, in public, very few dissenting voices. Afterwards, however, it became apparent that many present had had similar experiences to my own [Note from the editor: This comment has been edited for legal reasons] but were fearful of voicing them in a public setting out of fear of retribution. The industry is suffering greatly right now. This is not necessarily anyone in particular’s fault and I have no doubt but that all involved are trying as hard as they can to improve matters – including Ruth Harley and Screen Australia. However, I also believe it to be appropriate that both Ruth and Screen Australia start to consult in a very real way with the industry and not resort to spin to downplay the problems we face. It should be possible for dissenting voices to be heard without fear of retribution. Part of the problem is, I think, that Ruth is not from Australia and so does not know or understand the history of our industry and does not know (or care about) the role that key filmmakers have played in it this past 40 years. Six or so weeks ago I ran into Ruth Harley at a public gathering and asked her why she had never responded to my emails or letters. She told me that she had not received them. This was a lie. I asked her if she had ever seen any of my films. She said no. It is, in my view, absurd that we have a CEO who has not seen (and seems uninterested in seeing) films made by Australian filmmakers.

None of the problems that I have had with Screen Australia would have arisen if there was, at the head of the organization, someone who genuinely believed in transparency, in accountability, in entering into dialogue with filmmakers. Please listen to what the industry is saying to you about Ruth Harley. Either she has to start relating to the industry in a manner appropriate to the industry we are all involved with or she should, in my opinion, be replaced. All the evidence suggests that
she may be, to our industry, what Jonathan Shier was to the ABC – a disaster.

Before providing the Ombudsman with all the documents his office has asked for I would request, again, that it be possible to talk with someone in your Ministry about my complaints and have them addressed appropriately either within Screen Australia or your Ministry.

best wishes

James Ricketson

SUGGESTION: If you feel that you have been dealt with inappropriately by Screen Australia let Peter Garrett know and copy your letter to the Screen Australia Board. It may well be that only a deluge of such letters will convince Garrett that he should be proactive and not suggest (as his Ministry did in the case of my complaint) that I make it to the Ombudsman!

Matt, I’m not involved with Screen Australia in any way, shape or form and I never have been. I’m not a part of your conspiracy.

I have posted multiple times but only because my posts kept getting deleted and not 20+ times as stated. The posts of at least 5 different people (4 of whom were, not me) were deleted because they were deemed too critical.

As I mentioned, I have no real stake in this. Screen Australia could be hopelessly corrupt as you say. I merely wanted to express my opinion, which I believe is the whole purpose of having a ‘Comments’ section.

I wanted to lend support to an earlier comment made by Jacko and say that I believe this article is less about promoting change within the industry and more about promoting yourself.

James,

Like the sand in an hour glass, these are the days of our lives…. bloody well done mate for standing strong. Your letter was a very well written one and something to be proud of.

[Note from the editor: This comment has been edited for legal reasons]

People who are employed as GOVERNMENT public service reps should mean they are accountable to filmmakers in this country. I truly believe that Screen Australia has been negligent in their role as official funding for the TV and Film Industry and have now completely ignored the problem hoping it will go away. By asking a simple question of transparency in one case “MINE” will open up a funding body so full of disturbing issues that the Tax Payer in us all will want a complete re-shuffle of those in charge.

There are a few (The Boys club) that get millions for not only films but to keep their business’s running which is a sign of the power they believe they have.

[Note from the editor: This comment has been edited for legal reasons]

I am moving forward illegally [Note from the editor: This comment has been edited for legal reasons] In the coming weeks I TOO will need to stand up for my own family who have been bankrupted because of these people and now fight for my right to sell my own product, owned 100% by me and my company, invested over $252,500 of my own money purely because they have chosen a friend over a film.

Ok my dear public, i have given a little more away in my story so what do you say should be done.? Yes this is self promotion by Matt Norman who has been raped by an industry pretending to give a damn about it’s own. Self promotion that I am literally standing up to take their lies, deception and no-doubt they’ll take the political high road to cover themselves without answering any questions.

Tell me this my industry, who else will stand with me…. [Note from the editor: This comment has been edited for legal reasons]

Stand up one and all. I dare you!

Matt should be applauded for standing up for what he believes in. You can tell he is a Norman- nice one Matt. Your uncle must be very proud.

I hope I’m not intruding as I’m not in the film industry (apart from a 5 second bit in a beer commercial made in Ballarat last year with thousands of other extras). Despite a veneer of professionalism most industries are bitchy places and nepotism and the whole old boys club thing is usually rife just below the surface. I know Matt through a group of enthusiasts outside of film making and have gotten to know him quite well over the last decade. He has continued to show integrity and honesty in all his endeavours and I can only marvel at the growth and continued improvement in his finished work. Much of this he has fought for on his own initiative and self belief. Importantly, he raises these issues because he is a perceptive person and does not shy from the truth. The stand he is taking may not make him a popular figure with some powerbrokers down under but for me his willingness to call things as he sees them speaks heaps about him. Good luck with the battle, you’ve obviously got a lot of supporters out there.

I don’t have all the details so I can’t comment on the rights and wrongs of Matt’s situation. However, I have to say, I am inspired by his tenacity, forthrightness, and passion.

Again, without having the details, I’m surprised to hear of the lack of response from Screen Australia. I believe organisations, especially government organisations which are funded by tax payer money, have a responsibility to respond swiftly to complaints and conflicts.

I’ve worked in government organisations, and if a customer/client is not satisfied with the resolution of an issue, it is normal practice to refer the complaint up the chain of command until satisfactory resolution is reached. I would have thought this would be the same for Screen Australia. If they aren’t addressing a complaint appropriately, they should.

On the issue of self-promotion – who gives a damn – I see no problem with it – assuming its done well and with class, and is not just a lot of hot air. In Matt’s case, its not. So why shouldn’t he promote himself, write his own Press Releases… or whatever else. Bah! Get over it.

That’s my two cents worth.

I look forward to working with Matt on his upcoming feature film “Scab Girl Asylum”. This film is a special one. You’ll be hearing about it.

Gillian

Matt you are a big being witha big heart and huge principles. Right will win though ,it may take some time. You are dealing with Bureaucrats who dont have any accountability(I know I have dealt with them in the past)
Just keep on fighting for whats right and you will win as your army grows. Eventually they will have to listen to you. YOu will succeed with out them and have the last laugh. Good luck with your ventures in the USA.

John,

Yes John this is a great way to self promote myself. Why would I jeopardize all future possible funding opportunity with Screen Australia and FIlm Victoria just to say “HI EVERYONE LOOK AT ME”.
[Note from the editor: This comment has been edited for legal reasons]

Memo for Peter Garrett

Dear Minister

Hopefully you are aware of the dialogue that is taking place here at ENCORE online. It seems that Matt Norman has been treated inappropriately by Screen Australia – ‘seems’ because we only have, at this point, Matt’s side of the story. Without the other side of the story – Screen Australia’s – we can only conjecture as to the factual basis of his complaints. Will Screen Australia be responding publicly to Matt’s allegations? It seems not. Given Screen Australia’s theoretical commitment to transparency and accountability surely it should respond? Will you exert your Ministerial prerogative and insist that Screen Australia respond? Or will you sit on your hands and accept Screen Australia’s silence as a valid response?

As for my own complaint it is petty compared with Matt Norman’s. However, there is for me a principle involved that is important. If you were to look at the facts of my complaint (as presented to you in half a dozen letters) and decide that I had twisted or manipulated the facts in order to make false accusations you would be quite justified in declaring, in appropriately Ministerial language, “James you are full of shit! Your facts simply don’t stack up.” I am quite prepared to be held accountable and humiliated in public if I have got my facts wrong. So too, I believe, should senior management at Screen Australia. Complaints should be judged on the basis of demonstrable facts – not on the basis of either filmmaker’s passion or Screen Australia spin.

It is my experience and that of a growing list of other filmmakers that there is nowhere, within the Screen Australia hierarchy – senior management, the SA Board and right through to you own office – where facts can be viewed dispassionately. In short, there is no complaints or review mechanism operating within an industry overseen by your Ministry in which tens of millions of Australian tax-payer’s dollars are involved.

History suggests that lack of accountability and transparency of the kind that seems to be on display here (if Matt’s complaint is based in facts and not emotion) ends in tears. And sometimes embarrassing front page stories! Please do something, Minister. Say something. Respond in some way. If Matt, myself and other complainants are unjustifiably attacking Screen Australia, if our arguments are not backed up by facts, come out and say so. If Screen Australia’s responses to complaints such as Matt’s are not backed up by facts, come out and say so and deal appropriately with those who have demonstrated, at the very least, a high degree of professional incompetence.

Please, Mr Garrett, set in place the mechanisms within your Ministry and Screen Australia whereby ‘transparency’ and ‘accountability’ are practiced in reality. It should not be necessary for a filmmaker frustrated by senior management at Screen Australia’s refusal to acknowledge or respond to letters to be left with no option but to make a complaint to the Ombudsman. I am sure that a single phone call from yourself or the appropriate person within your Ministry to Ruth Harley could work wonders. “Ruth, could you please ask Ross Mathews to respond to Matt Norman’s allegations and complaints.” Simple.

Well done Matt,
It a crying shame that the Australian filming bodies constantly overlook people such as yourself in favour of the “old boys” of Australian filmmaking who constantly seem to be flushing money down the drain instead of encouraging and developing new Australian talent.
Good luck in New York! Will hopefully see you there one day!

We can not express how Matt Normans never give up attitude has inspired us. He is one of a kind and has been such a blessing to all his friends worldwide. We can’t wait to send him all of our original music tracks for his consideration for his movies. It would be an honor to be any part of this mans work. He is a man to be reckoned with in the movie industry hence his fight will never be in vain. We look forward to watching this man grow to the great movie producer he is so meant to be and He Will be reckonized as thus. He truly is one of the greats. He’s the Real Meal Deal and the movie industry better start realizing this if they want to reap any rewards from this mans brilliance.

Dear Mr Garrett,

Apart from writing to you on several occassions and never receiving any reply, I wanted to just say that as a huge fan of your stance in Midnight Oil, on Global issues, you were once someone that could be relied on to be vocal when necessary. Why is the Political Garrett so unbelievably hidden? The Entertainment industry portfolio is yours. This is not the time to ignore things like this like what happened with the fire in the attic problem you’ve just come out of.

I have decided that any and all deals done for my film from this point on will be done by me and me only. I will not be paying back any so called investment to Screen Australia and will hold onto every cent to feed my family. I wonder how long it takes to get a reply when the millions that you people receive back from people like me stops coming in? Accountability is one thing Mr Garrett, but actual BUSINESS ETHICS is another. Screen Australia, Film Victoria and your own Government has neither.

Should we address all future correspondence to PM Gillard? She seems to be starting on the right foot to change.

PRIME MINISTER GILLARD, I’d love to discuss the ongoing fraud, corruption, coverups, non disclosure, spin, boyclub antics, business relations, and failure of Screen Australia to be headed by those currently in charge.

I would like to be appointed as CEO of Screen Australia for 1 month to prove how to make the Australian industry into the biggest and best in Australia. It only takes one person to weed out the filth and the ego inside this playschool government agency.

Mr. Norman, if you are as you claim in possession of evidence of illegal activity by the people that you have libeled then have you or will you forward the information in your possession to the State or Federal Police ?

If you have not or are unwilling to do so then your audience can only assume that your claims have no base in law.

To date you have responded to your critics and anyone that does not agree with you with great vitriol. No doubt this posting will be responded to in a similar manner as well as the standard verbose ramblings to detract from the issues at point.

Just answer one question in your response “Have you or will you be going to the State or Federal Police” ?

Matt Norman is clearly very angry about a perceived injustice. It is possible that he is making himself persona non grata with Screen Australia (and risking costly libel lawsuits) for no valid reason of, though not likely. His suggestion that there is corruption within Screen Australia at a very high level must, of course, be backed up with facts – of which there have been few presented by him to date.

Leaving aside Norman’s propensity for invective, hyperbole, what is a filmmaker with a valid complaint to do if Screen Australia ignores it, if your own Ministry ignores it? Having no mechanisms in place to prevent corruption from occurring is, history suggests, a recipe for disaster.

If you haven’t done so already, Mr Garret, please, in the interests of transparency and accountability, look at Norman’s allegations and let the film industry know what you find. If Matt Norman is a ratbag making allegations not supported by facts, let us know. (We’ll all follow his various libel cases through the courts with interest!) If the ratbaggery lies elsewhere , if even 50% of what Norman alleges is true, we’d like to know that also as we filmmakers all have a vested interest in a healthy film industry in which cronyism, corruption and incompetence are kept to a minimum.

Hi Lachlan,

Yes I have been to both the federal and state Police and they believe I have a case. I am also in contact with the crime commission but due to other pressing issues inside the film industry I can’t comment on that one.

I HAVE had several lawyers look into my allegations of corruption, fraud and criminal behaviour who have all agreed that there is a lot of evidence that can not be disputed.
[Note from the editor: This comment has been edited for legal reasons]
The Police suggested the best course of action was to make public my evidence and then seek full compensation from that where a willing lawyer could come forward that I could pay later.

The honest truth is that I have stood up with everything to lose. I wouldn’t do it if I had no case. What seems to be very much in my favour now is that I have had several other emails and evidentual papers to show that I’m not the only one who is currently being dragged through the boys club. For me though it’s about accountability and putting my name to my claim. That way I am also putting out to the Australian industry that if my proof isn’t justified then my credibility shouldn’t be also.

I love the fact that people still criticise me even though i have a career that’s doing well but am willing to stand up with my name and company to prove to the industry that what I have and what i’ve gone through is criminal on behalf of the very industry that doesn’t seem to communicate with anyone.

Notice that there is no reply from Government officials inside Film Vic and Screen Australia?

While I’m at it let me share another quick story with you all. 7 or 8 years ago I went for Film Victoria funding for a short feature. I found out later that the person from Film Victoria who interviewed me for the funding was actually the PRODUCER who GOT the funding for that round. I could name HER but that was a long time ago and to be honest was more an induction into the industry’s sick sense of humour. THis time however I want people to suffer the consequence of criminal fraud and would like our government to sack and humiliate the people behind what I believe is the biggest scam from this industry to come out in our industry history. It’s not just me… I’m now getting emails from filmmakers who are being funded and then literally ripped off without any accountability.

So Lachlan Thompson… I answered your simple question. Now answer mine. Why state something like you did stating that I literally attack people who say negative against me? That’s rubbish mate. I am standing up for the industry. The same industry that I work in, the same industry that i support constantly. My question is to you… who are you and where are you from? I tell you what… I will send you all corresponding evidence if you write to me directly with information on who you are and what you are prepared to do with that evidence.

Email me at mattnorman@wingmanpictures.com and I will give you all that I have so that again those of you who want to measure penis sizes can actually take it upon themselves to stand beside me instead of pretending that this subject doesn’t matter.

Balls in your court.

I should also mention, the reason I am not going to list the issues relating to my case is because i’m hoping to have someone from Screen Australia (Ruth Harley) speak to me about what she is doing about it. If I run out of options which is starting to become very obvious then yes I will make it public.

I have already publically said that I will no longer pay a cent back from any sales I make of my own film in the U.S which is about to have it’s release in Cinema’s in October and then on a mass scale on DVD, Cable etc. I will do what they are doing to me and not communicate with them, keep them updated, promote them, or pay them what is owed contractually. That way when I am taken to court for breaking contract I can literally turn it back and say “I did everything possible to communicate short of going to their home”.

With an industry of tall poppies waiting to be cut down, i’d appreciate some industry to stand beside not behind me. Pretty simple request don’t you think. Or continue to sit back and make claims of being insulted while drinking your latte.

I don’t know Matt Norman, have never met him and never seen any of his films. Never even heard of him actually. But what I do know is that a while ago, he saw the trailer of my little film “Girl Clock”, and tracked me down to tell me how much he loved it, and then spent over an hour on the phone trying to help me to get it distributed, including using his contacts over the States. Nothing eventuated from it, but the fact is that this would be the very first time anything like that has happened to me – a fellow filmmaker – a total stranger – taking the time to try and help someone become successful. I think this would speak volumes about this man’s heart and motivation. I say good luck to you Matt Norman. Congratulations on speaking out – I don’t have any horror stories from Screen Australia, and the one I did with the PFTC is probably redundant now as they kicked out all boys club members. But I was never game enough to be publicly vocal about my experience, because I feared for the day I may seek funding from them – so I think you’re a rock and you should be applauded for your integrity.

An interesting read on if.com.au with New Zealand funding bodies having a-list filmmakers stand up for what seems to be the same issues we’re having here with no accountability, deception and boys club mentality. When is the Australian industry going to take itself seriously… If our New Zealand neighbors can do it then isn’t it time that those of you who have also had issues raise your voice now [Note from the editor: This comment has been edited for legal reasons].

Interesting side note: Didn’t Ruth Harley come from the very same film commission that’s in turmoil????? Isn’t that just a great kick in the head for us. No wonder we don’t get any answers… One last note, SCREENAUSTRALIA it seems that you’re interested in following me on Twitter but can’t reply to me in person.

Anyway that has issues from dealings with Screen Australia either write to me directly or put your post here. If you want to be taken seriously as an industry then stand up and say something. Time for change is now!!!!!

Peter Garrett…mmm?
Spent a career in the music industry speaking out about wrong-doings through his song lyrics (perhaps now it seems money was the only motivation). Now he’s in a public position and has the power to make a difference – he says nothing and sits on his hands!
Why am I not surprised you have had no reply from him…he’s an absolute joke!
Television media coverage should get there attention and no doubt some response in the lead up to elections?
Well done Matt for your courage…you are truly inspirational.

Hey great article about time someone shook the tree and took the action to back it. I salute Matt for doing it.

I have am in start up phase of a production company to do teh same thing. Way smaller so far but with big hopes.

I went to LA for 7 weeks and the meetings i had were incredible. The fact that i am new to production didn’t phase them especially once they found out i had founded and grown the Australian Acting Academy in Australia.

I was saying to a friend in the states (who was setting the meetings up) that i would not even get close to the people of the caliber that i was meeting.

Hadn’t seen it as clearly as Matt had put it but i know i will be going back soon to get started there. It is just way easier to start in the states than here – and they do greet you with open arms.

Well done again.

I think it’s time to go public. Watch this space and others. It’s amazing that after two weeks of campaigning for some answers that we’ve heard absolutely nothing. What a disgrace!!!! More soon….

We are finally getting together all public material to put to the Australian industry and wanted to add that if you feel that you too have been ripped off, abused or even dodged by Screen Australia then please send us all your information.

Matt, Is this just more self promotion or are you actually going to do something this time ? No need to reply we will just watch this space for absolutley nothing to happen.

Ah yes another one (alex stanthorp) that waits for other people to fix the issues rather than do it themselves. Thank you Alex there is nothing I ever start and don’t finish. As I’m sure the editor of Encore can attest, I’m certainly putting into action my thoughts in different ways and so I suggest instead of you sitting there wasting other people’s time believing you have something important to say you should instead start thinking about ways to nurture the Australian film industry before it’s laughed out of town completely.

There is a need to reply Alex. For the industry’s sake stand up and make a difference.. surely you’re able to do that under a real name? I’ll just watch this space for you to show that nothing will happen.

The comments that come in doing everything to knock me for standing up against the rogues in this industry are coming from the rogues of this industry. Too scared to put their name to posts (real names) and too scared to stand up for anything but themselves.

I’m not waging war against the talented filmmakers in Australia, I’m waging war against the Government funding bodies that choose to ignore my requests to investigate, ignore my requests to be transparent, and who ignore any issue they have internally when caught out. So Alex, sit back and watch as you’re no help to me anyway.

Having started my career as third assistant director on Skippy, Wake in Fright and Age of Consent, I have seen all the ups and downs of the industry for the last forty odd years. One thing I have discovered is that negativity never gets you anywhere – except into more negativity. Its like attacking and bombing others to try to create world peace. Not a very intelligent idea.

The best piece of advice I received for the situations Matt and others find themselves in, is that success is the best revenge. Just make a successful film, collect the money, which will be far more than you have lost, and probably set you up for life. Then you will come from a position of power and be able to wield influence to bring change.

Your mind will either drag you down or build you up. It is your choice. Dealing with the funding bodies, which I have not done for more than twenty years, is like dealing with people in general. You need to speak their language, not just insist on speaking entirely your own.

Seeing things exclusively from your point of view is called narcissism – which can be a very serious clinical illness if let to build.

I would use all your energy to create a work that is so inspiring that you have all the studios and funding bodies chasing you with their cheque books and even giving you maximum possible creative control.

Learning how to be successful is far more useful than finding fault with all and sundry. Just look at the confronting issues you are faced with as challenges and obstacles to go through so that you can master your own life and create it to be what you want it to be.

Stay away from the traps of negativity, failure, blame, destructive criticism, rage and being a loser. They never work. Why? Because that which you focus on expands in your life.

Best to stick to creating great works.

Matt, Alex is my real name and I have no beef, issue or connection with any of the funding bodies. I am simply what you would call a movie buff that likes to stay abreast of what is happening in Australian Cinema, Theatre and Literature. Encore is one of the many sites that I spend time on.

We are all entitled to an opinion and mine is that you use the online format to stay topical and ‘in the news’ and that its about time that you backed up your claims.

Dear Michael, thank you for writing what you did. That is certainly advice I’m happy to take on board and agree with all of what you wrote. Thank you. Well written.

Alex, I apologize if I sound a little bitter but unfortunately due to the fact that there aren’t many people that will stand up for the industry I know could be great and is being let down by officialdom that I can’t stand when someone plays the “well what are you doing about it” fiddle. What you don’t know and shouldn’t know is that my issues have been taken a lot further than this forum. In the not so distant future you will be able to have a full breakdown of what exactly happened to me and also what is happening to a lot of people because of the transparency issue at Screen Australia as well as the SPECIAL boys club they have built around them.

I can promise YOU this Alex, I will be making my claims public. I have already done so to some people who have taken what I have said and what I can prove very very seriously. Just let the process happen in the right way so that I can go about bringing down their little empire legally and ethically. I’m happy to rant and rave on hear but am not in a position to post the real issue without properly looking after the legal issues involved as well.

To those that love to bait me, join me. The people that have tried to stir the pot are known to me… why? because they are the people responsible and are the ones behind some serious fraudulent behavior that I know in time this industry will be very embarrassed by.

I could just leave this and continue being successful as I am being right now. But I’m an Australian filmmaker who was dumped on by the very people SPAA, SA, FILMVIC that are meant to support new talent. If they won’t then I will. This is just the beginning. I have no option but to see this through to the very end. My career is definitely fine without these people as I have an audience that support my work I don’t need Government pen pushers to do that for me to have a career.

On that note, you’ll soon see what my company is up to in the next 6 months once I have a few more details put in place and you will see that it’s easier and a lot more beneficial to make films outside of Australia where your talent is embraced completely. More news on that soonish.

Well I’d have to disagree with Michael, there is no film industry there is taxpayers dollars being abused and misused by an unaccountable and indifferent, if not hostile funding agencies. If you’re in and approved you get a big checkbook of taxpayer dollars to hire people to make a film. There is no reference to how successful, or unsuccessful the film is, and you only have to look at the festivals, film awards in Australia to see that the films are those that agencies have put money in, are the ones that scoop the pools! – Those same festivals and awards are funded by the “transparent and accountable government agencies”. – Our taxes at work.

Why shouldn’t there be accountability and transparency?

There are significant amounts of funding, tens of millions of dollars, every year that goes down the drain in the “learning experience”. This would not be acceptable in any other industry, so why is it normal state of affairs for 40 years in this cultural and artistic investment in the country’s well being?

Why aren’t contracts and financial details made public for each film? Why isn’t there a tally of all funding received by the principals in each film? Why are the numbers in the annual reports of the agencies obscured and undefined? They speak of territories and sales, but never give a breakdown of which film sold for how much in which territory. – Wouldn’t this be very important information for an “industry”?

Why aren’t government officials accountable for their decisions and actions? While these same individuals live well as career bureaucrats for 10 to 15 years, with little understanding of the true realities of distribution, digital technologies, changing production and post production methodologies?

Why do these same bureaucrats create unworkable systems and expectations based on a Hollywood system, which is NOT relevant in terms of funding, contracts, and other issues in the Australia market place?

Why is it that there isn’t critical analysis and debate in relation to the “industry” other than “boys club” and other vested interests by so-called industry bodies which are usually staffed by burnt out bureaucrats?

To all the people that study, work and strive to create a unique environment for the production and appreciation of film, it is time to start asking yourself questions and then asking the agencies along with your local member. – but there is a price to pay in this closed loop of funding the unwatchable, as those receiving funds, or wishing to, do not want to bite the hand that possibly give them their next one to 3 years of salary.

It is only if we can embrace new ideas, new technologies and new talent, will this “boys club” mentality that closes opportunities and flexibility to original and insightful productions be changed. It is only through transparency and accountability that filmmakers will be able to assess a career path – and or financing strategy for the next project. It is only through government agencies embracing difference and having the courage asked questions of themselves is there any chance of anything more than mediocrity.

Unfortunately, no agency or broadcaster will come chasing you, but a nice Hollywood ending. In reality those that are financially successful in the production of a films and programs quickly leave our shores and have little desire to deal with the unpredictable, unaccountable highly bureaucratic and insular government agencies.

I guess what people are wondering and should be asking is what constitutes “fraudulent behaviour” and lack of accountability, without going into the details that may create problematic legal issues.

BRAVO!!!!!! Brian Rosenfield you said it beautifully. That’s exactly what I’ve been asking these people to do for me. I agree with everything you wrote. [Note from the editor: This comment has been edited for legal reasons] At the end of the day, my film SALUTE has gone on to win heaps of International awards without ANY assistance from Screen Australia (try finding us in the intentional catalog of films FUNDED by Screen Australia, I have a debt with Screen Australia as well as lost my own investment of $252,000 through the re-mortgage of my family home and I can’t get a simple reply from them.

Also I should also mention that Paramount Pictures don’t seem to want to show me the figures of my own film after 3 long years??? Trust me when I say that my time has come to expose what has happened. The time is now.

I want to also commend those professional industry members that have written to me privately to give me their personal horror stories. Its humbling to know that those of you interested enough in this industry are also interested in showing such great support for it by standing beside me in this.

I will have more news soon as certain things are underway!