Important: This page is an independent reference summary. Verify classification decisions against the official ABS source before using them for tax, licensing, immigration or compliance purposes.

What this class covers

ANZSIC class 5511 categorises Australian businesses primarily engaged in the creation and production of motion pictures, videos, television programs, and commercials. These operations involve the conceptualisation, planning, and recording of visual content across various media formats including digital files, film, video tape, and DVD. The classification applies to production activities regardless of the final distribution platform, encompassing content created for cinema, television broadcast, streaming services, and digital platforms.

Typical businesses in this class include independent film production companies creating feature films or documentaries, television production houses developing series or reality shows, commercial production studios making advertisements, and corporate video producers creating training or promotional content. The classification focuses on the production phase rather than distribution or post-production, which are covered by separate ANZSIC codes. This distinction is important for Australian business registration, statistical reporting, and industry analysis conducted by organisations like the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Primary activities in plain English

Businesses classified under 5511 typically engage in one or more of these core activities:

  • Producing full-length motion pictures and feature films for cinema release
  • Creating television programs including series, documentaries, and reality shows
  • Developing television commercials and advertisements
  • Producing video content for corporate, educational, or promotional purposes
  • Creating digital video content for online platforms and streaming services

Exclusions and nearby codes

Several related activities are specifically excluded from this classification and fall under other ANZSIC codes:

  • Acquiring distribution rights and distributing motion pictures and videos (ANZSIC 5512 - Motion Picture and Video Distribution)
  • Producing pre-recorded radio programming (ANZSIC 5522 - Music and Other Sound Recording Activities)
  • Providing post-production services like editing, special effects, and color grading (ANZSIC 5514 - Post-production Services and Other Motion Picture and Video Activities)
  • Mass duplication of audio and visual media (ANZSIC 1620 - Reproduction of Recorded Media)
  • Operating motion picture laboratories (ANZSIC 5514 - Post-production Services and Other Motion Picture and Video Activities)
  • Creative arts activities like directing, acting, and writing (ANZSIC Subdivision 90 - Creative and Performing Arts Activities)

Practical guidance

When registering your business with the Australian Taxation Office for an ABN, GST, or completing Business Activity Statements, selecting the correct ANZSIC classification is important. For motion picture and video production businesses, 5511 is typically the appropriate code. This classification may affect your business insurance requirements, workers' compensation categories, and eligibility for industry-specific grants from organisations like Screen Australia or state film agencies.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics uses ANZSIC codes for economic data collection and industry analysis. Using the correct classification helps ensure accurate industry statistics and may affect how government agencies perceive your business activities. If your business engages in multiple activities across different ANZSIC classes (such as both production and distribution), you may need to determine your primary activity or register multiple codes.