Why Australia’s Film Wealth Flows Overseas

Despite producing global hits like Mad Max, Happy Feet, Babe, and Moulin Rouge, Australia misses out on long-term revenue. These franchises generate billions worldwide, but the profits flow to Warner Bros., Universal, and Fox.
The issue? Australian creators often surrender intellectual property (IP) rights upfront, losing royalties, licensing, and merchandising income. This practice represents a massive economic opportunity cost — and highlights why domestic investment structures are essential.