The South Australian Film Corporation and the ABC have announced a new dedicated grant, the ABC First Look – Early Development Grant, designed to support South Australian creatives in developing their next projects for the screen.
The grant will provide funding for promising projects in the early stages of development, with the stated aim of helping these projects progress towards ‘committed development and future production opportunities’ within the ABC.
SAFC and ABC launch new screen grant – quick links
Uncovering new South Australian voices
Per a SAFC spokesperson, the grant is intended to uncover new and ‘distinctive’ South Australian voices and stories with ‘the potential to resonate with audiences both locally across ABC platforms, and internationally’.
Applicants who are successful in the highly competitive grant process will receive up to $50,000 for scripted projects and up to $25,000 for unscripted projects, as well as thoughtful feedback from ABC commissioners to ‘help refine concepts and strengthen their pathway to market’.
The grant is part of the ABC SAFC Content Pipeline Fund, which the SAFC spokesperson says has a history of supporting high quality productions.
That includes crime drama Treasure & Dirt, the Logie Award-nominated Top End Bub, the third season of comedy show Austin, period drama Ladies in Black, children’s series Beep and Mort, documentary series Eat the Invaders, and documentary KUMARANGK: Sacred Women’s Business.
Per the SAFC, the new First Look grant will cement the organisation’s relationship with the ABC and its commitment to delivering fresh opportunities for South Australian writers, directors, producers and other talents.
Supporting the South Australian screen industry
Kyam Maher, South Australia’s Deputy Premier and Minister for the Arts, said: ‘The Labor Government is proud to back this exciting SAFC initiative supporting the development of new, homegrown South Australian TV programs for the ABC.
‘It builds on the success of the existing ABC SAFC Content Pipeline Fund, which since its launch three years ago has injected more than $41 million into the state’s economy and created more than 1500 jobs for local crew, cast and creatives, ensuring South Australian voices and talent are front and centre on the national stage.
‘I can’t wait to see even more bold and original South Australian stories on our screens.’
Leanne Saunders, SAFC Acting CEO, added: ‘The SAFC’s ongoing partnership with the national broadcaster through the Content Pipeline Fund has already brought an incredible slate of new South Australian stories to the screen … We’re proud to build on that sector growth with this new development initiative, which will create even more opportunities for our state’s talented writers, directors and producers to develop distinctive, ambitious projects with a clear pathway to ABC audiences.’
ABC Director of Screen Jennifer Collins also spoke of the fund’s potential to bolster South Australian-made stories.
‘The First Look – Early Development Grant gives South Australian creatives the opportunity to develop original ideas and connect with ABC commissioners early in the creative process,’ Collins said.
‘Through our longstanding partnership with the SAFC, this initiative helps nurture promising concepts and create pathways to future commissioning opportunities with the ABC.
‘South Australia is home to a wealth of creative talent, and we’re proud to support local storytellers as they develop distinctive Australian stories that can connect with audiences across the country.’
