Screen Australia has announced five feature films, two television dramas and two children’s projects that will share in more than $7.4 million of production funding.
The projects include dramedy Audrey, the debut feature from director Natalie Bailey, featuring actor and disability activist Hannah Diviney (Latecomers) which started production last week; plus family feature films Drone Racers and Whale Shark Jack.
Also receiving funding is One Night, a thriller for Paramount+, season two of channel Seven’s RFDS and the new ABC children’s series Galaxy Girl.
Screen Australia’s head of content Grainne Brunsdon said, “It’s fantastic to kick the year off with such a strong pipeline and wide mix of projects coming through. These distinct local stories, whether it’s uniquely Australian comedy, suspenseful thrillers or exciting family adventures, highlight how much high quality drama is being created in our sector at the moment.”
“We’re committed to supporting children’s content to ensure Australian kids are able to see themselves reflected onscreen, and we’re pleased to announce two television shows and two family films that are set to engage young audiences.
“There is a strong appetite for Australian children’s content around the world which was evident at MIPCOM last year, so we’re thrilled to see more exciting projects coming through in this space.”
Whale Shark Jack
Other projects receiving funding include Fear Below from director Matthew Holmes, the mysterious drama The Rooster, and the second season of children’s series Space Nova.
Earlier this month, Screen Australia’s First Nations Department partnered with Network 10 on First Facts: First Nations Factual Showcase, a new initiative for First Nations documentary filmmakers.
Applications are now open for filmmakers with ideas for bold, engaging and thought-provoking short documentaries to screen on 10 Play and Network 10’s social media channels.
Eight to 10 successful projects will receive $5,000 of development funding and the opportunity to develop their project at a three-day workshop in Sydney in June 2023.
See also: Screen Australia and Network 10 collaborate on First Facts: First Nations Factual Showcase
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Top image: Hannah Diviney on the set of Audrey