Friday 28 August: Screen Queensland (SQ) today unveiled the first act in its 2015-16 Early Career Screen Program announcing Queensland Originals: Short Fiction.

Queensland Originals: Short Fiction offers four Queensland filmmakers / teams the opportunity to develop, produce and market a seven-minute short film aimed at prestigious Australian and international festivals. The selected projects, which will include two from Indigenous filmmakers, will each receive a $30,000 grant to make high-quality, short dramas that will form part of a clear career pathway for the creative team.

‘We are excited about this new short film initiative as we continue to grow our industry base and unearth new voices on screen,’ said Screen Queensland CEO Tracey Vieira.

‘The Short Fiction Program is part of our strategy to foster a strong and successful screen industry in Queensland by providing opportunities for our talented storytellers to grow their skills and careers.

‘I am looking forward to rolling out the remaining programs in our Early Career Screen Program over the course of the year.’

The Early Career Screen Program 2015-16 will include opportunities for practitioners to develop and create work, and to build their careers through prestigious placement and attachment opportunities, in addition to the Short Fiction initiative.

SQ recognises short films can be an integral part in filmmakers’ career development and can shape and sharpen storytelling skills across a range of disciplines and, at their best, put a career on the map.

‘Launching our Early Career Screen Program with the Short Fiction initiative shows we mean business when it comes to supporting Queensland’s writers, directors, producers at all stages of their careers,’ said Jo Dillon, SQ’s Head of Development & Production.

It is part of SQ’s commitment to supporting Queensland talent, helping storytellers to develop their skills and experience, and comes from our belief that a great short film can be an international calling card for a talented filmmaker.

‘We are excited to discover new voices from across our state, and in particular from the Indigenous community whose stories we want to ensure are reflected on our screens.’

SQ acknowledges the financial support of Screen Australia in the Early Career Screen Program.

Applications for Queensland Originals: Short Fiction close: 5.00pm, Monday 12 October 2015.

Please CLICK HERE to see how to apply and view the full program guidelines.

Apply online www.screenqueensland.smartygrants.com.au

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For all media enquiries, please contact:
Angela Samut
Ph: 07 3248 0524
E: asamut@screenqld.com.au

To speak with a member of the SQ team please contact:
07 3248 0500 or email screenqld@screenqld.com.au with ‘QLD Originals’ in the subject line.

For further information about Screen Queensland’s funding programs and other incentives, visit www.screenqueensland.com.au