A federal review of the visas issued to actors, entertainers and film crews could cost Australian jobs, according to the star of the much-loved Australian movie The Castle.

Actor Michael Caton has joined with the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) and the Labor opposition in warning that proposed changes to the Temporary Worker (entertainment) visa poses a threat to Australian film and television workers.

Actor Michael Caton.

The so-called subclass 420 visa is used to bring in overseas actors and crew to Australia and the government quietly announced a review of it last week and released a discussion paper.

At present, foreign workers can be brought in to work temporarily in Australia on a project after approval from Arts Minister George Brandis, consultation with the MEAA and confirmation the project will bring a net employment benefit to Australia.