First three projects from the Premium Drama Development Fund also revealedPictured L – R. Anthony Mullins, Ursula Cleary, Steve Baker and Krissy Kneen. Photo by Alister Randell
Mike Sneesby, CEO Stan Australia and Tracey Vieira CEO Screen Queensland, today announced that they have expanded and extended the Premium Drama Development Fund with a new round of applications to open in September 2019. Also announced were the three premium drama projects from Queensland writers that have been selected for early-stage development through the first phase of the Screen Queensland (SQ) + Stan Premium Drama Development Fund. The Bloody Satisfaction of Derek Gott by Steve Baker, is a dark thriller, drama series with a teen focus; Kindred Spirits by Ursula Cleary is an edgy family drama; and Saviour by Anthony Mullins is an exciting Sci-Fi drama. “We were proud to launch the Fund at the TV WEEK Logies last year with Stan and now we are seeing the results with both rising talent and established screenwriters selected to continue working with Stan on compelling content for local and global audiences,” said Ms Vieira. “The continuation of the fund for another year also shows that we are just scratching the surface of the potential we have in Queensland and that Stan wants to continue to be at the forefront of breaking new talent and developing excellent screen content with Queensland creatives,” added Ms Vieira. SQ and Stan will co-fund the further development of the three selected Queensland drama series suitable for local and global audiences on the Stan SVOD platform. Mike Sneesby, CEO Stan, said, “The creative ideas and stories coming out of this initiative have been exceptional and we are particularly excited to be working with Steve, Ursula and Anthony on their projects.” “Given the quality and volume of the projects submitted through the first phase, we didn’t hesitate in extending our partnership with Screen Queensland. We look forward to uncovering more fresh ideas and themes that present unique creative opportunities,” he added. Stan are also expanding the fund to include the SQ + Stan First Look Initiative, selecting writer Krissy Kneen from the pool of Rising Talent who will develop three projects into five-page briefs over the next six months with the possibility of one continuing to a writer’s room and delivery into a pilot. Applications for the 2019-20 SQ+ Stan Premium Drama Development Fund will open in September this year. SQ + Stan Premium Drama Projects > The Bloody Satisfaction of Derek Gott Writer: Steve Baker > Kindred Spirits Screenwriter: Ursula Cleary > Saviour Screenwriter: Anthony Mullins > SQ + STAN FIRST LOOK INITIATIVE Krissy Kneen is the award-winning author of a memoir, a collection of poetry and five full-length works of fiction including the Stella Prize Shortlisted An Uncertain Grace. She has written and directed broadcast documentaries for SBS and ABC Television. – ENDS – For media inquiries, contact: |
Stan and Screen Queensland increase investment in local production development
June 29, 2019