Queensland Originals: First Concepts is a joint initiative of Screen Queensland and Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS).
It aims to:
> inspire Queensland talent to create drama series that will grab Australian and international ‘binge viewing’ audiences and so sell to SVOD/streaming services that make landmark drama their cornerstone
> instil the skills and know-how needed to develop and pitch work for this market
> introduce Queensland creatives and their work to decision-makers in this market
The initiative is structured as follows:
(1) Expert Briefings
Expert Briefings will be held at The Powerhouse, Brisbane, 9.00am to 12noon, Wednesday August 24 2016.
Briefings will inspire and inform local writers, producers and directors as they begin to form first concepts for drama series for global audiences watching on SVOD platforms.
Advice will come from a range of experts including: Brian Pearson, Director, International Originals, Netflix; Rob Gibson, Director, Originals, Stan; Tracey Robertson, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Hoodlum (Executive Producer, Secrets and Lies); and Simonne Overend (VP, Scripted Development, Essential Media & Entertainment).
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER your Expression of Interest (EOI) to be part of these Expert Briefings.
EOIs close 9.00am Monday 15 August 2016.
Limited places for up to 50 (pax)
(2) Callout (September/October 2016) will collect first concepts and identify teams and individuals to take part in a the ‘story sessions’ – mentor-led workshops aimed at developing series concepts.
A final decision on the (max.) four projects to be included in the workshop (max. 12 participants) will be made after a callout process, managed by Screen Queensland and AFTRS, in consultation with a U.S. showrunner (who will lead the story sessions workshop).
(3) Story Sessions (November/early December 2016) will be a four-day development workshop held in Brisbane, Australia. It will be created to mirror as far as possible a writer’s room, and will include:
> brainstorming ideas
> refining concepts
> developing key characters
> crafting initial storylines
Participants will leave the workshop ready to work independently towards pitch materials suitable for pitching to the SVOD market.
(4) Concept Development (November, December 2016, and early January 2017) will allow time for participants to develop their ideas, preparing a pitch and concept documents (pitch materials/series Bible) to present to decision-makers at global SVODs.
Each team will have access to up to 90 minutes of the showrunner’s time during this period to discuss development and workshop ideas.
(5) Pitching (January 2017) will give teams the opportunity to pitch their ideas to decision-makers.
Further project development (funded by SQ) and travel funding to re-pitch may follow, subject to interest in the concepts developed.
SELECTION CRITERIA
This is a single initiative. Projects and participants that have not been selected for and attended Expert Briefings will not be considered for Story Sessions, Concept Development and Pitching.
It is NOT an entry-level or early career opportunity. It is aimed at mid-career and established professionals. However, individuals (writers, directors, producers), companies and teams may apply.
Places are limited to up to 50 (pax) for the Expert Briefings, up to 12 (pax) or up to 4 (projects) for Story Sessions, Concept Development and Pitching.
This opportunity is open to Queensland-based screen industry practitioners that can demonstrate:
- a successful body of commercial work for the screen
- a clear commitment to developing and producing series drama for international SVOD
- a clear and constructive approach to this opportunity in the context of the strategic growth of their business or career, and the growth of the Queensland screen industry
Expert Briefings will be held at The Powerhouse, Brisbane, 9am to 12noon, Wednesday 24 August 2016.
To discuss this opportunity, contact developmentandproduction@screenqld.com.au or register your interest here.
