DOCUMENTARY PRODUCTION

Special Documentary Initiatives

triple j tv docs4

triple j tv docs is a joint initiative of ABC TV and Screen Australia that seeks fresh approaches to half-hour and one-hour documentaries that explore contemporary issues, ideas and culture through the eyes of generations X, Y and Z. It is a collection of documentaries that pushes the boundaries of visual program-making; fresh works with new perspectives on the world around us, be they historical, political, social or just plain personal.

The documentaries will screen on ABC1 and ABC2, and will have cross-platform potential via the triple j tv website. The initiative is designed to support one-off, stand-alone documentaries for production and post-production. The triple j tv docs4 initiative will be promoted on triple j, ABC online and in all media, including trade publications.

triple j tv docs4 is for emerging filmmakers who are 35 years or under as at the closing date: Monday 6 April 2009. triple j tv docs4 invites you to tell us your tales, from the country or the city, with respect or irreverence, authority and attitude.

Funding

Funding is for one-off documentaries for production and post-production. Documentary series proposals cannot be considered.

ABC TV and Screen Australia have committed a total of $400,000 to this initiative.
Applicants can apply for:

• up to $75,000 for a half-hour documentary
  
  
• up to $150,000 for a one-hour documentary

This funding can be augmented by funding from third parties like state film agencies, distributors, film festivals etc.

Deadline

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 5pm, Monday 6 April 2009. Projects cannot be accepted after that time.

Final decisions will be made by mid-June 2009.

Please note: Posted applications will only be accepted if they are postmarked on or before the closing date. Applications lodged electronically will not be accepted.

Eligibility

• Teams of a director and producer are required. The team may also include a writer.
  
  
• The producer and director must each have at least one screen credit in his or her respective role. Films made at a film school qualify. Credits can be in documentary or drama production, and may include short films and television series.
  
  
• The director must be 35 years or under as at the closing date: Monday 6 April 2009.
  
  
• Producers who are 35 years or under are preferred, but DOB is not a critical factor.
  
  
• Projects will only be eligible if proof of access to key subjects is provided with the application. This can be a signed letter or an email originating from the subject.
  
  
• Applicants must Australian citizens or permanent residents.
  
  
• Applicants cannot be students at a film school or similar tertiary film, television or interactive digital media course (either full-time or part-time).
  
  
• Applicants must not be in breach of any obligation under any arrangement they have with Screen Australia or any of its predecessors (the Australian Film Commission, Film Finance Corporation Limited or Film Australia Limited).
  
  
• For all other general eligibility criteria for all Screen Australia programs, applicants should consult Screen Australia’s Terms of Trade 2009, available at www.screenaustralia.gov.au

Stages

triple j tv docs4 is a two-stage process.

STAGE 1: ABC TV DEADLINE – Monday 6 April 2009
All proposals must be sent in hard copy (including hard copy of the completed triple j tv docs4 Application Form and all required supporting materials) to the ABC in the first instance. The ABC will select a shortlist of projects and will notify the teams who are not successful by email or letter.
For all enquiries please call:  ABC TV 02 8333 4355

STAGE 2: SCREEN AUSTRALIA – May 2009
Screen Australia will contact the teams who are on the shortlist, inviting them to send a SECOND copy of the complete proposal, including AV materials, to Screen Australia.

Screen Australia will assess the shortlist and, together with ABC TV, will select projects for interview.

The teams selected for interview will meet with the ABC and Screen Australia in early June 2009. Travel costs for the teams will be met by Screen Australia.

Guidelines and application forms

Applicants must read the triple j tv docs4 Guidelines before submitting a complete application form with all required supporting materials.