Filmmakers living in Far North Queensland are set to receive a significant boost to their career development thanks to two new Screen Queensland (SQ) initiatives, to be delivered in partnership with regional screen industry organisation Screenworks.
Run in partnership with National Indigenous Television (NITV) and ABC respectively, both programs aim to create career-changing opportunities and foster key networks in the Australian screen industry for filmmakers based in FNQ.
The first initiative, Authentic: Real Stories from the People of FNQ, is a fully funded $4,000 opportunity for three filmmaking teams based in FNQ to produce short films about significant personalities in the region.
Each selected team will work closely with a mentoring producer from the ABC to refine their shooting scripts, production planning, rough cuts and final edits.
The second project, Make It In FNQ: Creating Screen Stories, led by Queensland-based film producer Dena Curtis of Inkey Media, is a free, six-month program of Indigenous storytelling and concept development workshops, open to emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants.
At the conclusion of the program, participants will present their story ideas and pitch materials to NITV for live feedback.
Both projects aim to create opportunities for the local screen industry in FNQ, in delivery of the Advanced Queensland Far North Queensland Screen Production Strategic Plan, launched in August 2019 by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
SQ CEO Kylie Munnich (pictured) said that one of the agency’s primary objectives is to invest in exciting talent across the entire state, as part of its brief to support diverse and original stories to screen.
“Screen Queensland is committed to providing equitable opportunities throughout Queensland, and that includes supporting talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander filmmakers to tell their stories.
“By providing access to mentoring from expert decision-makers at NITV and ABC, we’re actively growing local screen know-how in FNQ, while opening pathways for emerging and experienced practitioners to develop strong concepts with broadcast potential.”
Screenworks CEO Ken Crouch said he was excited about the impact that both projects will have on the growth of the screen industry in the region.
“Both programs are designed to develop the professional skills and capabilities of screen practitioners in Far North Queensland and should lead to more local stories and productions happening in the region.
“Screenworks is delighted to partner with Screen Queensland to continue offering these types of invaluable opportunities and ongoing support for the burgeoning screen industry in FNQ,” he said.
Applications for Authentic open 19 October, and the Make it in FNQ program will launch 6 November. For more information, visit the Screen Queensland website screenqueensland.com.au and the Screenworks website screenworks.com.au or follow Screen Queensland and Screenworks on social media.