What this class covers
ANZSIC class 5512 covers businesses that specialise in acquiring distribution rights for motion pictures and videos and distributing these works to commercial exhibitors. This includes leasing content to cinemas, television networks, streaming platforms, and other media outlets. The distribution can occur through various visual media formats, both physical and digital.
Typical businesses in this class operate as intermediaries between content producers and exhibitors, managing licensing agreements and ensuring content reaches appropriate venues. This classification is used in Australia for statistical reporting, business registration, and industry analysis by organizations like the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and various government departments.
Examples of operations that fit this class include:
- A company that licenses Australian film rights from international studios and distributes them to local cinema chains
- A firm that acquires television programming distribution rights and supplies content to broadcast networks
- An operation that manages a stock footage library and licenses clips to production companies
- A digital distributor that licenses independent films to streaming platforms
- A company that handles the theatrical distribution of documentary films to specialty cinemas
Primary activities in plain English
Businesses in this class typically engage in one or more of the following activities:
- Acquiring distribution rights for films and video content
- Licensing motion pictures to cinema operators for theatrical exhibition
- Distributing television programs to broadcast networks
- Operating a motion picture library that licenses stock footage to creators
- Managing the leasing of video content through wholesale channels to various exhibitors
Exclusions and nearby codes
Several related activities are specifically excluded from this classification and fall under other ANZSIC codes:
- Mass duplication of audio and visual media (CDs, DVDs) is classified under ANZSIC 1620: Reproduction of Recorded Media
- Wholesaling pre-recorded video tapes and discs to retailers falls under ANZSIC 3739: Other Goods Wholesaling n.e.c.
- Retailing video cassettes and discs directly to consumers is classified as ANZSIC 4242: Entertainment Media Retailing
- Hiring pre-recorded media (DVDs, videos) to consumers operates under ANZSIC 6632: Video and Other Electronic Media Rental and Hiring
Practical guidance
When registering your business with the Australian Business Register (ABR), you'll need to select appropriate ANZSIC codes that match your primary activities. Businesses in motion picture distribution typically use class 5512 as their main code if distribution is their core operation.
For tax purposes, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) uses ANZSIC classifications to understand industry patterns, but your specific tax obligations depend on your business structure and revenue. The corresponding BIC code 55120 may be used in some government reporting contexts.
Workers' compensation insurance classifications may vary by state and depend on specific job roles within your business. Consult your state's WorkCover authority for precise classification requirements.
Some screen distribution activities may qualify for Australian government grants or incentives through Screen Australia or state film agencies, particularly for distributing Australian content internationally.