Screen Queensland (SQ) in collaboration with National Indigenous Television (NITV) is thrilled to announce Queensland Originals: Elements, supporting the development and production of a four-part broadcast series to be made by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent. Applications open today [10 November 2016] and close 5.00pm (AEST | Queensland time), Monday 5 December 2016.
SQ and NITV will co-finance the series committing $200,000 each. The initiative is part of SQ’s strategy to find and nurture talented screen storytellers, and to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent to take their stories to Australian and international audiences and build careers in the screen industry.
‘Queensland is home to a thriving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander screen community and we are thrilled to be working with NITV on the Elements series,’ said SQ CEO Tracey Vieira. ‘This initiative will help facilitate growth and career advancement for early and mid-career practitioners and will ensure they receive a broadcast credit.
‘In August of this year, SQ launched its three year SQ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander screen vision supporting the growth of early career Indigenous practitioners in Queensland and helping more screen stories be told on new platforms and to new audiences,’ said Ms Vieira.
‘Elements is a tactical step towards realising this vision and will deliver screen stories that inspire, inform and entertain all Australians and remain a screen legacy for generations to come.’
Elements encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to draw inspiration for contemporary factual narratives from the four elements – Earth, Wind, Fire and Water. Four x 26 minute episodes will be overseen by a Queensland series producer and mentor and explain the connection with country, song, dance and spirituality.
Jade Christian, NITV’s Commissioning Editor said: ‘NITV is really pleased to be partnering with Screen Queensland with the Elements initiative, which is an opportunity to open the doors to create an inspiring and unique slate of content, while creating an opportunity for the Queensland Indigenous production sector to grow within the factual space.’
Queensland Originals: Elements initiative forms part of SQ’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program.
SQ committed more than $1.7 million to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent and stories in the 2015-16 financial year and approximately $1.2 million in 2014-15.
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All Screen Queensland media enquiries: media@screenqld.com.au | +61 7 3248 0500.
How to apply for the Queensland Originals: Elements
> All four films will be ambitious and of a high production value, aimed at prestigious Australian and international festivals, and broadcast on NITV.
> Filmmakers – writers, directors and producers may apply as teams or individuals.
> A track record and clear career trajectory should be demonstrated, as appropriate to the role nominated in the application.
> Ideas should be submitted as concept (one page only).
> Each episode will receive a $100,000 grant to support development, production and marketing of a television half hour.
> Documentaries must be developed and produced entirely in Queensland.
> All key creative roles must be filled by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.
> Each project will be overseen by a Series Producer (as assigned by SQ and NITV).
> Successful applicants must be available to attend development workshop in Brisbane 23 – 25 January 2017.
When do I need to apply?
Key dates include:
Call out: 10 November 2016
Applications close: 5.00pm (AEDT) Monday 5 December 2016. Late applications will not be accepted and incomplete applications will not be considered.
Successful teams announced: 23 December 2016
Workshop: 23 and 24 January 2017
Drafts and Materials: March 2017
Production Delivered: 2 June 2017
Who can apply?
> Bona fide Queenslander (SQ’s Terms of Trade include the definition).
> Teams made up of a Director, Writer/Directors, Producers.
> Demonstrable track record that includes a credit in the desired role on a documentary project.
> Full-time students are not eligible to apply.
> Please note: This is an early career opportunity not entry level opportunity.
> Project ideas cannot be drama or animation.
> Must be available for a two-day workshop on 23 and 24 January 2017.
What documents are required to apply?
> One pager summarising the concept.
> The film is to be no longer than 26 minutes, excluding credits.
> Note: If a director is applying without a writer, only a one-page concept will be required.
> CVs of key creative team.
> Sample of previous work.
> Statement outlining how the team proposes to develop and produce the documentary.
How will applications be assessed?
In all cases, the creative committee will take into consideration (where appropriate):
- The strength and originality of the idea or concept.
- The potential of the project to reach its specified audience.
- The potential of the project to be realised on its specified budget.
- The potential benefit to the Queensland screen industry.
What happens when my application has been assessed?
> Applicants will be informed in writing whether their application has or has not been successful.
How do I apply?
Please ensure to read the guidelines found HERE.
Apply online at www.screenqueensland.smartygrants.com.au
An automated application email will be sent to you within 30 minutes as confirmation that SQ has received your application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to contact SQ if you do not receive an application receipt email.
What happens when my application is successful?
Successful applicants will enter into a contractual agreement with SQ.
Applicants will commit to delivery of (at least), one draft of a 26-minute documentary and delivery of the finished film by 2 June 2017.
What do I do if I’ve read this and want to talk it through?
Please contact Belinda Miller: bmiller@screenqld.com.au | (07) 3248 0500.
