Growing our local digital content industry.

About the Strategy

The Riverina Creative Industries Studio Development Strategy identifies infrastructure, programming and service opportunities to grow the existing cohort of digital creatives servicing national and international clients from the Riverina region.

Presently there are dozens of creative companies and freelancers in the Riverina region producing animation, CGI, videography, illustration and graphics, but these tend to operate out of home offices out of the eye of the public.

With substantial industry expansion taking place globally, and geography no barrier to industry participation, the Riverina makes a strategic location to focus sector-development activity. Local companies report a strategic advantage to their Riverina locations, being able to conveniently service clients in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra, with affordable commercial office spaces in the regions.

The strategy looks at ways that studio infrastructure located within the Riverina region can be used to support and grow our digital creative industries. It focuses on ways that existing studio infrastructure already operated by Regional Arts Development Organisations in Wagga Wagga, Leeton and Deniliquin can be used to support the growth of the industry.

The Riverina Digital Content Industry Strategy comprises the following components:

SECTOR MAPPING

• Detailed engagement with companies and freelancers operating in and around the three nodes of Wagga Wagga, Deniliquin and Leeton.

• Identification of region-specific services, partners and capabilities, including Regional Arts Development Organisations, Business Development services, Cultural facilities and Councils

• Opportunities for skills development, collaboration and market development

GAP ANALYSIS

• Research into the identified needs, gaps, barriers and opportunities for industry growth.

• Infrastructure, facilities, service and equipment needs

• Industrial and institutional connections, and outreach programs from city-based industry and cultural organisations

MODEL DEVELOPMENT

• Development of an operational/business model for a creative digital centre, based with The Station Creative Workspace (Wagga) and in creative studios in Leeton and Deniliquin.

• As part of the above, identification of revenue streams which support these hubs' ongoing operations.

• Identification of key areas of focus for creative studios, including education & training, business support & incubation, community involvement and outreach programs.

Recommendations

The Strategy makes recommendations to guide infrastructure investments such as studio developments, equipment libraries and creative suites at Riverina Creative Industries Hubs.

The strategy also proposes short, medium and long term sector development plans, outlining strategic programs, partnerships and sector development activities that will support the growth of the Creative Industries in the Riverina.

The Riverina Creative Industry Studio Development Strategy is the first regional film industry development strategy in inland NSW, positioning the Riverina for investment from Film and Advertising Industry partners. It will increase exports of creative materials to national and international markets and enables local graduates and skilled workers to meet increasing industry demands from their home in the Riverina region.