Film-makers might be making big bucks out of our tourist attractions, but the region's councils can no longer cash in on the proceeds.The new Filming Related Legislation Amendment Bill 2008 that came into effect on March 30 stipulates that - while our region is open slather for films, TV shows and commercials - fees for filming rights are off limits.It means that Wollongong City Council is able to impose charges on unlicensed commercial fitness groups to use its most popular parks, but film-makers can move in for free.Kiama Municipal Council has estimated the new bill will represent an annual loss in revenue of up to $40,000, at a time when it wants a rates increase of 6.5 per cent to help make ends meet.The area is a favourite for TV ads, while the old quarry at Bombo has provided a backdrop for the Gladiators TV series and Power Rangers movies.The Illawarra has hosted various films and TV shows, including Mullet at Gerringong, Soft Fruit at Port Kembla, and defunct TV series Headlands at Austinmer.The 1995 hit film Babe, shot at Robertson, was among Australia's highest grossing films, making $36.77 million at the box office.But the State Government has decided councils can no longer benefit from it.Former arts minister Frank Sartor said that with more than 1100 film and TV-related businesses located in NSW - employing more than 9000 people and generating about $1 billion a year in income - the Government had to ensure the screen industry was encouraged.Kiama council has been charging $2200 a day for TV commercials, music videos and documentaries, $1100 an hour for periods less than three hours, and $1100 a day for feature films and serial dramas.Kiama director of engineering and works Bryan Whittaker said the charges had not deterred film-makers in the past."It is, in fact, thriving. Given the well-documented cost-shifting to local government, the restraint now applied through removal of an ability to gain income from a commercial filming industry is particularly concerning," he said.Wollongong council, which charged $500 a day in filming fees, received 24 film applications in the past year that attracted $6000 in revenue. Profits from filming on Sea Cliff Bridge went to the RTA.A Wollongong council spokeswoman declined to comment on the anomoly of proposing charges for fitness operators to use 11 of the city's most popular parks and reserves, when the same policy would not be applied to commercial film makers.Shellharbour City Council reaped $6217 from fees in 2008-09, while Shoalhaven City Council does not charge.