The Mercury Incorporated

The Mercury Incorporated is an Australian nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering screen culture and supporting filmmakers, particularly emerging talent, primarily in South Australia. It operates as an independent, community-focused cinema offering a diverse weekly program that screens a selection of local and international films. Beyond film exhibition, The Mercury serves as a hub for film industry development with a range of initiatives designed to nurture and advance the careers of filmmakers in the region.

History and Background
With a legacy spanning over 50 years, The Mercury (formerly known as Media Resource Centre or MRC) has established itself as the home of screen culture in South Australia. It has played a critical role in launching the careers of many of the state’s most celebrated screen talents, maintaining a strong commitment to inclusivity and diversity in the arts. The organization supports greater access and participation for underrepresented communities including First Nations peoples, LGBTQIA+ individuals, women and female-identifying people, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) groups, regional and remote practitioners, and people who are deaf or disabled.

Programs and Services
The Mercury operates a subscription-based cinema model, where subscribers gain unlimited access to film screenings, workshops, upgraded production facilities, equipment hire, monthly script discussions, and networking and mentoring sessions. This subscription model creates a creative community centered around screen culture.

Key programs include:

• Launch Lab: Provides essential industry insights aimed at kickstarting the careers of emerging screen professionals.
• Script Club: A monthly gathering where participants discuss creative and practical elements of selected scripts.
• Facilities and Equipment: The organization offers access to an edit suite, sound lab, production offices, and free filmmaking equipment hire for subscribers, supporting hands-on filmmaking practice.
• Film Industry Development: The Mercury runs initiatives supporting filmmakers from concept to screen, including production funding programs and collaboration with entities like the South Australian Film Corporation and Adelaide Film Festival.

Funding and Governance
The Mercury Incorporated operates as a charitable entity registered under Australian regulations, sustained through a combination of subscriber fees, sponsorships, partnerships, and donations. It receives support from government initiatives such as Creative Australia’s Plus 1 funding program, which has helped to double donations temporarily, amplifying its capacity to support filmmakers and screen culture programs.

The organization has a governance structure with a board of directors overseeing its management and strategic direction. It collaborates with state film bodies and the broader arts community to secure funding and deliver its mission.

Community Role and Impact
More than just a cinema, The Mercury acts as a cultural institution fostering creativity, education, and industry connections. By maintaining strong programming and development pathways, it supports the ongoing growth and diversification of South Australia’s screen industry. Donations and community support are vital for sustaining its activities and expanding outreach.

The Mercury continues to champion cinematic storytelling and the creative careers of South Australian filmmakers, ensuring a vibrant and inclusive screen culture for audiences and practitioners alike.

Note: The Mercury Incorporated is distinct from similarly named organizations and should not be confused with Mercury CX, another South Australian film-related nonprofit.

[1] https://themercury.org.au [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/c2072a59-39af-e811-a961-000d3ad24182/documents/cb91a224-95df-eb11-bacb-0022480ff34e [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/c2072a59-39af-e811-a961-000d3ad24182/documents/09ef5078-f4e6-ec11-bb3d-002248944bc7 [4] https://themercury.org.au/donate/ [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_CX