New guidelines for Screen Queensland’s funding programs will be launched on 1 July for the 2017-18 financial year, announced Screen Queensland CEO Tracey Vieira.

“Screen Queensland will implement updated guidelines following a comprehensive statewide consultation with the screen industry earlier this year,” Ms Vieira said.

“The new guidelines respond to the industry’s request for increased flexibility, a focus on local talent and greater simplicity with the application process.”

“The changes include a new Talent Development fund with two rounds each year and investment of up to $15,000 for writers to develop film and series draft screenplays under the guidance of an experienced script editor or creative mentor,” she said.

“We are also looking out for our local industry with the new requirement that all applications for Screen Production and Games Development Investment include a Queensland producer or Games Developer.”

“We’ve cut back on the amount of materials required when applying for funding – to reduce bureaucracy, and to focus on quality.”

Ms Vieira said Screen Queensland will divide its Screen Production and Games Development Fund into three parts: commercial, career-building and cultural, with specific criteria for each part and will introduce a Producer Bonus Scheme to incentivise Queensland production expenditure.

“Screen Queensland has also extended the list of international and domestic markets we will support through grants for travel – to include support for the games industry and to reflect changing priorities and opportunities in the screen industry,” she said.

The new guidelines reflect Screen Queensland’s ongoing focus on local talent, developing skills and businesses and creating opportunities for talented Queensland practitioners.

The 2017-18 guidelines can be viewed at: https://screenqueensland.com.au/resource-centre/the-vault/  and will be activated from 1 July 2017.