Note to Jackson: Disney is not avoiding Australia

Rich Ross, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios, dismissed claims by New Zealand director Peter Jackson that Disney is avoiding bringing its productions to Australia due to problems with unions, but admitted that it is “challenging” due to the exchange rate.

“It’s not the case [that Disney is not bringing productions due to the MEAA], and I’m not sure why anybody would talk about somebody else’s company. I’m not sure why he said it; we go where it makes sense,” Ross told Encore.

In one of his public statements (dated September 28), Jackson said: “I’ve been told that Disney are no longer bring movies to Australia because of their frustration with the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance”.

Ross said that choosing Australia as a shooting location would happen “when we have the right film and it makes sense for us to come here”, from a creative and financial point of view.

The LA-based executive admitted that due to the current exchange rate, shooting in Australia is “pricey right now for us”.

“We certainly go all over the world and Australia has an incredible film base and expertise […] The economics, from the exchange rate to access to Government incentives, do influence where we go. We currently have four projects shooting in the UK; they’re being very aggressive about bringing production in.

“The situation in Australia makes it more challenging. There are many variables,” admitted Ross.

During his visit to Sydney, Ross also discussed the company’s plans for the distribution of local films: “We are interested in local production. It’s about doing global business, delivered in a local way.”

Questioned about the strategy moving forward, following the disappointing results of their local titles Two Fists, One Heart and Subdivision in 2009, Ross said that acquisitions will be made “when it makes sense”.

“Our approach is not opportunistic, and it’s not investment-based, but about properties that can help build our brand,” he explained.