Screen Queensland announces new SVOD initiative – Queensland Originals: First Concepts with AFTRS

Screen Queensland and the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS) will partner with international innovators in an Australian-first partnership to shape original Queensland stories exclusively for audiences watching on global on-demand platforms.

Queensland Originals: First Concepts with AFTRS will see talented local writers, directors and producers receive select briefings with a high profile line-up of industry leaders and trailblazers.

The briefings – designed to share the secrets of successful drama series and inspire Queensland talent to develop work that strikes a chord with global streaming video-on-demand (SVOD) audiences – will be held in Brisbane this month.

Screen Queensland will support successful creatives to further develop their work with a view to taking fleshed out concepts to the SVOD market later in the year.

‘This initiative is a huge component of our strategy for growing the size, success and profile of our screen industry and to invest in talent and support great storytellers to find new audiences,’ Screen Queensland CEO Tracey Vieira said.

‘First Concepts is an exciting way to do that, and we hope it will inspire writers, directors and producers in our state to think big an share authentically Queensland stories with the world.

‘This “Golden Age of Television” has redefined the viewer experience and has presented huge opportunities for storytellers. It is important for Australian storytellers to take advice and expertise from those that have led this revolution and this is what is driving Screen Queensland and AFTRS’ ambitions to grow talent and local drama for the global audience.’

AFTRS CEO Neil Peplow said, ‘This is an exciting opportunity for AFTRS and Screen Queensland to work in a fast-growing commercial and creative environment and to help talented creatives develop an understanding of the opportunities it presents, shape their work for the most successful global platforms, and position their stories and our industry in a meaningful way.’

In the months to follow, Queensland creatives will be given the chance to use their new knowledge to become part of a boutique workshop to be held in late 2016, developed and delivered by AFTRS and led by a U.S. showrunner.

The story workshop will prepare up to four creative teams to pitch their ideas in face-to-face meetings with global SVOD executives and key decision-makers in early 2017.

CLICK HERE for more information and to be part of this unique initiative.

– ENDS –

For all SQ media enquiries: +61 7 3248 0500 | media@screenqld.com.au