YEAR IN REVIEW2018-2019  
KEY HIGHLIGHTS  
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A record $43.5 million available for distribution to  
Screenrights members in 2018/19  
1,637,704 events came in to our systems, up by 33%,  
more accurately reporting each program usage  
Membership grew by 5% to total 4,438 members  
from 66 countries around the world  
Our Disbursements by Screenrights service  
collected $2.94 million on behalf of members,  
up 38% on the previous year  
Image Credits  
Employable Me, Northern Pictures  
Outback, Northern Pictures  
MESSAGE FROM THE SCREENRIGHTS CHAIR  
Jill Bryant Chair  
2019 is my thirteenth year as Chair of the Screenrights Board, and that seems an  
auspicious number at which to announce that this will be my final year in the role and  
also as a Board director. It has been an honour to lead the Board since being elected  
Chair in 2006, having joined the Board in 2003.  
As I look to hand over the baton, I reflect on Screenrights’ many developments and achievements  
during those thirteen years.  
Since 2006, the Society has collected over $543.8 million and distributed over $434 million to  
rightsholders in screen content around the world.  
Screenrights has grown from collecting $37.7 million in licence and other revenue in FY2006/07  
to collecting $50.7 million on behalf of our members this financial year.  
In 2006/07 we had 2,653 members in 54 countries and distributed just under $20 million to them.  
In FY2018/19 membership has increased to 4,438, and the amount distributed has more than  
doubled to over $40 million.  
In my time as Chair since 2006, Screenrights has  
distributed over $434 million to rightsholders  
in screen content around the world.  
As Chair, I have been pleased to encourage continual governance improvements including  
regular skills reviews at Board level. More recently, the Board led the membership in approving  
changes to our constitution to introduce requirements for Authorial Directors and term limits,  
ensuring that the screen sector is well represented with a balance of expertise and experience in  
the Board’s composition into the future.  
Screenrights has remained fully compliant with the voluntary Code of Conduct for  
Collecting Societies in Australia over these years, and has met its standards in every  
independent annual review since the Code’s introduction in 2002.  
Screenrights’ subsidiary EnhanceTV has developed from a DVD and video mail-out  
service to a modern online streaming platform. As a curated resource centre for  
educators, it is increasing access to a wider variety of content than ever before.  
Copyright’s detractors often accuse the law of restricting access. However, with  
Screenrights educational licences – in partnership with resource centres – educators  
are able to source the programs they need in the classroom quickly, easily and legally.  
Another recent development is the Screenrights' Cultural Fund, launched last financial  
year and now funding its second round of initiatives. With a focus on connecting  
education with screen content, the Fund has awarded $325,000 to seven innovative  
projects in Australia and New Zealand that will increase access and foster diverse  
screen voices. I look forward to seeing the outcomes of these projects as well as  
those that will receive support in the coming years.  
Last year saw James Dickinson take over as Chief Executive from Simon Lake, who  
had been in the role for 20 years. I believe that I am leaving the organisation in a strong  
position under James’ capable leadership, supported by a first-rate staff under the  
guidance of a distinguished Board.  
Finally, I would like to thank the Screenrights team, my fellow Directors past and  
present and our members for their support over the years. I am proud to have played  
my part in the growth and development of our unique organisation, and in preparing it  
for the challenges of business in a new and ever-changing media landscape.  
Jill Bryant  
Screenrights Chair  
25 September 2019  
Image Credits  
Sherpa, Felix Media  
Outback, Northern Pictures  
MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE  
James Dickinson Chief Executive  
This year’s figures show a record $43.5 million available for distribution to  
Screenrights members, up 3% on last year’s $42.13 million – and when it  
comes to educational licences, we’re dealing with an ever-increasing number  
of events to distribute this money more widely and accurately than before.  
Gone are the days of random samples, as resource centres like ClickView and  
Screenrights-owned EnhanceTV now provide accurate usage instances, each of  
which makes up an event. Tipping over 1.6 million events this year, we’re always  
developing more sophisticated systems to manage such huge amounts  
of data on behalf of our members.  
What this means is a fairer system for allocating royalty payments, but also that we’re seeing  
teachers use a far wider variety of screen content in schools. The curated content available  
via resource centres enables educators to access programs that would have been impossible  
to find in the past, and this is great for students as well as for screen content creators.  
A few achievements to highlight this year include our record number of new members,  
up 5% from 2017/18; our Disbursements Service continuing to grow year-on-year; our  
International Collections Service continuing to provide value to members; and our successful  
negotiation of new Australian education, New Zealand education, and Foxtel retransmission  
licence agreements.  
It’s a disruptive and exciting time, and Screenrights  
will remain a valuable part of the changing industry  
as we diversify our services for members  
and licensees.