Yahoo News Home and Away to invest in show changes after tax break
Home and Away will be making some changes due to tax break-related investments.
The soap will have more money to play around with after the Australian government decreed that it will now be eligible for a rebate.
Variety states that a production would have previously needed to spend A$500,000 an hour, but can now spend $35 million a season to qualify.
The old rule essentially meant that only Hollywood productions could really claim the rebate, but now home-grown projects can (although movies still get a higher 40% compared to the 30% for other media).
Related: Home and Away teases 2024 storylines in 26 spoiler pictures
Chief executive for Channel 7's parent company James Warburton said (via The Guardian) that the rebate "will enable us to increase Home and Away's domestic and international appeal, ensure it remains competitive as an Australian drama, and reinforce the significant contribution it makes to the Australian TV industry and Australian culture".
The channel itself has pledged to use the money on more location filming, especially in more regional areas of Australia.
Tony Burke, the federal Minister for the Arts, added: "We want to see more Australian stories shown on screen. Backing in Australian drama is essential to that.
Related: Home and Away brings in Sunrise host for guest appearance
"This change will help to support more iconic Australian stories being told and shared by the people who know them best."
The changes are expected to come into practice midway through 2024, on July 1.
The soap is currently on a break in Australia and the UK, following their respective season finales.
Meanwhile, a new romance was teased for Mackenzie Booth in 2024.
Home and Away returns in January 2024 on Channel 5 in the UK and Channel 7 in Australia. Selected classic episodes are available via Prime Video in the UK.
Read more Home and Away spoilers on our dedicated homepage
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