SEAPAVAA Newsletter
Jan-Sept 1999

Editorial: Copyright in the AV industry

Country Updates

Features

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	Prime Minister Howard (left) greets Ron Brent, Director of ScreenSound Australia, while the Minister for the Arts and the Centenary of Federation Peter Mc Gauran looks on.

In a glittering ceremony on June 21, the Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard, announced the beginning of ScreenSound Australia, the new name of the National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA).

Hundreds of guests gathered to celebrate the new identity and the opening of the $18 million redevelopment of ScreenSound Australia. The new archive features seven new audio studios, a purpose-built recording studio, a film treatment unit, printing and processing laboratories, and a video unit. The redevelopment has been specially designed to complement the famous heritage-listed building, constructed in 1929, which has housed the archive since 1984.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the archive had been an extremely successful organization, collecting and preserving Australia's rich audiovisual heritage and returning it to the Australian people. Over 1.2 million TV viewers see something from the national collection each week, and many more access the collection through exhibitions, touring programs, products, live presentations, and research services.

Arts Minister Peter McGauran said that the new identity will reflect openness and accessibility. He saw the launch as a memorable celebration of the archive's work over the years and a chance for film, television, and radio industry personalities to join with industry and government figures in celebrating the commitment of the Australian community to preserving Australian screen and sound.

A major feature of the launch was the introduction of ScreenSound Australia's huge audiovisual database online. The database can be accessed on the website: www.screensound.gov.au.