Screen Australia, ABC and NITV announce ‘Relevant Loving Short Films Initiative’ – Screen Australia’s Indigenous Bureau, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and National Indigenous Television (NITV) have announced a partnership with mid-career Indigenous producers to We are calling for applications for emerging films. Writer and director team behind new romantic comedy short film project Proper Loved Up.
The initiative, in partnership with Screen West, Screen Territories, Screen Queensland, Screen Tasmania, VicScreen, South Australian Film Corporation, Screen NSW and Screen Canberra, will support up to eight Indigenous teams and deliver fresh and exciting Indigenous stories. We help bring it to the screen. . It will also focus on building producers’ business skills to develop projects for both local and global markets.
Angela Bates, Head of Indigenous Peoples at Screen Australia, said:
“We have a proud history of supporting Indigenous creators to tell the powerful, authentic stories that inspire and travel around the world.” It is an extension of the legacy of my predecessors and their efforts. This is a project for local and international markets. Aims to empower Indigenous producers by providing them with practical and comprehensive experience in short film production, in addition to providing individual seed funding to scale up their plans. This is bold and ambitious and we are excited to partner with the ABC, NITV and state and territory agencies to make this happen.”
“We need to nurture and develop more Indigenous producers. This is critical to cultural safety and intellectual property creation in an evolving screen environment. Indigenous content Our writers and directors are in high demand, as our writers and directors have proven their cultural as well as commercial value, and by cultivating a talent pool of experienced producers, our storytelling is enhanced and our creative output is enhanced. The range of opinions will expand.”
“We’ve done genre-themed efforts before like ‘Shock Treatment,’ which were hugely successful, so we’re excited to see how our Mob works in the romantic comedy genre space. I’m looking forward to seeing what the story is.”
To be eligible, stories must be conceived by Indigenous creators, with Indigenous Australians in key roles as writers, directors and producers. No screenwriting experience is required, but applicants must demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in this field. Stories that include the use of indigenous languages are encouraged.
ABC Indigenous Director Kerrick Martin said:
“ABC Indigenous is a proud participant in Proper Loved Up and has long supported the career paths and creative opportunities of Indigenous filmmakers in partnership with Screen Australia’s Indigenous division. This is a commitment that is fundamental to the work we do every day. We love the genre’s focus on fun yet socially awkward fun and can’t wait to see what these new producers and creative voices bring!”
Dena Curtis, Head of Indigenous Commissioning and Production at NITV, said:
“NITV is proud to support the Proper Loved Up initiative, a new-look short film program that provides a holistic approach to developing Indigenous producers, writers and directors. Supporting development is so important to us and we want to continue to support up-and-coming Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creators in short romantic comedies that celebrate stories of black joy and black love. I can’t wait to show you the drama.”
Click here for more information on eligibility and how to apply.
A proper rub-up occurs in two stages.
Stage 1: Each project receives up to $5,000 in development funding. An intensive training program that includes three in-person workshops and four online masterclasses. Upon completion of the workshop, successful applicants will be provided with a third draft script and will be invited to apply for up to $80,000. We provide production funding to create and distribute short films. The film will have a 12-month festival hold period before being broadcast on commissioning platforms. First Nations Series Producers, supported by NITV and ABC, will work with producers throughout development and production. Stage 2: Focus on slate development for local and international markets. After completing the third workshop, creators can then apply for up to $15,000 in seed funding (from Screen Australia and relevant state agencies) to develop a series of projects. Indigenous travel grant opportunities are also included. Take your work to local or international markets such as the Cannes Film Festival or Screen Forever. information webinar
Applicants are encouraged to attend a webinar hosted by First Nations Chief Angela Bates. This session provides an overview of the initiative and the application process, with insights from Penny Smallacombe, head of scriptwriting at Blackfella Films, and acclaimed writer/director Dylan River. A short Q&A follows.
Date: Wednesday 18 December 2024 Time: 11am – 12pm AEDT Registration: Click here Accessibility: The webinar will be accompanied by an Auslan interpreter. If you would like to discuss this or any other accessibility requirement, please contact us at (email protected) or call 1800 507 901. A recording of this webinar will be made available on the Screen Australia website shortly.
Applications close on Friday 14 February 2025 at 5pm (AEDT).
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Screen Australia, ABC and NITV announce ‘Proper Loved Up Short Film Initiative’
