2024 12 12 – Media release
Pitch Short Black Initiative short film “Last Drink at Fridas”
Screen Australia’s Indigenous Bureau, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and National Indigenous Television (NITV) have awarded an up-and-coming writer-director team to a mid-tier Indigenous producer for a new romantic comedy short, Proper Loved Up. We are looking for applications to apply together with. Movie initiatives.
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 First Nations at Screen Australia, said: This program expands on the legacy and work of my predecessors who created the Indigenous Producer Program. This will provide Indigenous producers with practical and comprehensive experience in short film production, in addition to providing individual seed funding to scale up their project plans for local and international markets. , aims to empower them. 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.
Kerrick Martin, Head of ABC Indigenous, said: “ABC Indigenous has partnered with Screen Australia’s Indigenous division for many years to support the career paths and creative opportunities of Indigenous screen practitioners. I’m proud to be a part of Loved Up.” This is an initiative that is fundamental to the work we do every day. We love that this effort focuses on the fun yet socially awkward fun of the romantic comedy genre, and we’re excited to see what these new producers and creative voices bring to the table. I can’t wait!”
Dena Curtis, Head of Indigenous Commissioning and Production at NITV, said: “NITV is proud to announce the launch of the Proper Loved Up initiative, a new-look short film program that provides a holistic approach to developing Indigenous producers, writers and directors. I’m proud to be able to support them.” Supporting talent development within the industry is so important and we look forward to continuing to support up-and-coming Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creators. I can’t wait to unveil this short romantic comedy-drama that celebrates stories about Black joy and Black love. ”
Click here for more information on eligibility and how to apply.
A proper rub-up occurs in two stages.
Stage 1:
Up to $5,000 in development funding will be provided per project. An intensive training program consisting of 3 in-person workshops and 4 online masterclasses. After the workshop, successful applicants will be invited to submit a third draft of their script and apply for up to $80,000 in production funding to produce and distribute their short film. The film will undergo a 12-month festival hold period before being broadcast on commissioning platforms. The First Nations series producers, supported by NITV and ABC, will work with the producers throughout development and production.
Second stage:
We focus on slate development for domestic and international markets. After completing the third workshop, creators can apply for up to $15,000 in seed funding (from Screen Australia and relevant state agencies) to develop a series of projects. Opportunities to bring Indigenous travel grants to local or international markets include the Cannes Film Festival and 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 Register: Click here Accessibility: The webinar will be accompanied by Auslan translation. 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).
We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn, and work.
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Media inquiries
Maddie Walsh |Public Relations Officer
+ 61 2 8113 5915 | (email protected)
Jessica Parry | Senior Publicist (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday)
+ 61 428 767 836 | (email protected)
Other general/non-media inquiries
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