Image: NQ Discovering New Online Voices judging panel and participants
Screen Queensland, in partnership with Screenworks and with the support of Screen Australia has announced the winning project to receive $10,000 in funding through their NQ Discovering New Online Voices initiative.
Launched in February, the two-stage program is designed to upskill North and Far North Queensland screen practitioners to develop short form online projects.
Finalists Garth Edwards, Jannah Dryden, Kate Boylan-Ascione, Michelle La and Shawn Drieberg received invaluable 1:1 mentoring with industry experts and pitch training with Abi Tabone of Compton School.
The development program culminated in an in-person pitching opportunity before a judging panel including Screen Australia’s Margaret Ross and Screen Queensland’s Jesse McCart and Danielle Ah Boo.
Michelle La’s winning pitch, Chopsticks & Chippies, a heartwarming dramedy about friendship, cultural differences and romance, was announced at an industry networking event on Tuesday 23 July in Cairns and they will now progress their project with $10,000 in funding.
Margaret Ross, Screen Australia’s Investment and Development Manager said it was a privilege to join the judging panel for the NQ Discovering New Online Voices pitching event on beautiful Gimuy Walubara Yidinji, and Yirrganydji country, Cairns.
“As judges we had our work cut out for us, with five unique and distinct pitches that showcased the talent and creativity in this region. After an extremely tough deliberation process the judges selected Michelle La’s short form comedy, Chopsticks & Chippies.
“Michelle gave a really strong pitch, well prepared and funny, filled with nostalgia, showcasing personal and cultural resonance of her project. We can’t wait to see Michelle take this story from Mareeba to the world!”
Jacqui Feeney, Screen Queensland CEO said that NQ Discovering New Online Voices is an important element of the North Queensland Regional Program, providing Queensland screen practitioners with transformative opportunities to develop their skills and connect with industry leaders.
“Screen Queensland’s $4 million, multi-year North Queensland Regional program focuses on growing the creative community’s capacity and capability through opportunities for practitioner skills development.
“We are excited by the potential of the genres, voices and formats emerging from North and Far North Queensland and we are committed to championing these online creators to reach global audiences.”
– ENDS –
Carrie Barber
Marketing and Communications Manager
media@screenqld.com.au | 07 3248 0500
ABOUT SCREEN QUEENSLAND
Screen Queensland is the state government-owned agency investing in locally made films, series, and games, and attracting international and interstate production and post-production. The agency runs career-building initiatives for practitioners around the state and supports film festivals and industry events such as Screen Forever, Asia Pacific Screen Awards and the AACTA Awards and Festival. Screen Queensland also operates Screen Queensland Studios in Brisbane and Cairns.
Recently supported productions include Apples Never Fall, Eden, Elvis, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, Good Cop/Bad Cop, Land of Bad, Mortal Kombat 2, Nautilus, The Bluff, The Portable Door, Thirteen Lives, Ticket to Paradise, Wizards!, Audrey, Aussie Shore, Dangerous Animals, Black Snow, Bluey, Boy Swallows Universe, Darby and Joan, Dawn of the Dolphins, How to Make Gravy, In Limbo, In Our Blood, Limbo, Love is in the Air, Rebel with a Cause, Rock Island Mysteries, ScaryGirl, Strait to the Plate, Tastes of the Tropics, True Spirit, and digital games Broken Roads, Capes, Cities: Skylines – Remastered, Go-Go Town!, Max Mustard, Memento, Mowing Mazes, My Little Pony: Mane Merge, Unpacking and Servonauts.
For more information about funding programs, incentives, locations and facilities, visit screenqueensland.com.au.
