Australia has been recognised as a “world-class, globally trusted hub” for high-end screen, PDV, animation and games production, according to the latest Olsberg SPI Production Infrastructure and Capacity Analysis (PICA) 2026 study, released today.
However, the report warns that a series of structural challenges – spanning workforce capacity, training pipelines and infrastructure – could constrain the industry’s long-term growth and global competitiveness.
Commissioned by Screen Australia, the study identified four key pressure points: limited business scalability, persistent skills gaps, unclear career progression pathways, and infrastructure constraints.
Screen Australia chief operating officer Grainne Brunsdon said the findings both validate the strength of the local industry and provide a roadmap for its future.
“This study not only reaffirms Australia as a world leader in high value production, it also provides specific guidance on how the sector can navigate a dynamic, ever-changing landscape,” Brunsdon said. “I’d encourage screen and games leaders to view these findings as a springboard to tackle the challenges of today and seize the opportunities of tomorrow.”
She added that the report equips industry professionals with “the necessary insights to collaborate, act and build a more flourishing economically sustainable industry.”
A central concern highlighted in the report is the sector’s ability to sustain and grow its workforce. With many companies operating on a project-by-project basis, the study points to a need for improved scalability and stronger business support systems.
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Recommendations include targeted business development training, deeper collaboration between academia and industry, stronger international partnerships—particularly within the Asia-Pacific region—and increased private investment in Australian-owned content.
Training optimisation is also flagged as critical, with the study calling for micro-credentials, continuous upskilling, and more agile, industry-aligned education programs to address ongoing skills shortages.
Australian Film Television and Radio School chief executive officer Nell Greenwood, who contributed to the study’s development, said the findings provide vital insight into workforce needs.
“This audit delivers essential, evidence-based insight into our screen industry’s capacity and the kind of comprehensive data critical for the industry and training providers,” Greenwood said. “We look forward to working with partners across the sector to implement the recommendations.”
The report also highlights issues around career progression and workforce retention, noting that high attrition rates and an ageing workforce are creating gaps in senior roles. To address this, the study recommends clearer career pathways, the introduction of a national grading system for physical production and PDV/animation roles, improved job-matching infrastructure, and expanded mentoring opportunities.
It also suggests enabling Australian talent to gain international experience by embedding within global companies, helping to strengthen both skills and industry connections.
On the infrastructure front, the PICA study calls for improved coordination across organisations, better planning for soundstage development, and protection of industrial land used for screen-related production and storage.
The report also highlights the need for dedicated collaborative spaces for the digital games sector, as well as shared workspaces that can support growing production demands.