12 March 2010

SCREEN AUSTRALIA RELEASES REVISED PROGRAM GUIDELINES

Screen Australia has released revised guidelines for its Development, Production Financing, Indigenous and Marketing Support programs, effective from today.

"We embarked on a review of our guidelines late in 2009," said Screen Australia Chief Executive Ruth Harley. "We wanted to see how our programs were working after a year of operation, hear what the industry had to say about them, and confirm our focus on supporting creative story-telling, audience engagement and building sustainable businesses. Our industry consultation has resulted in several key changes to the draft released in November last year."

Revised Terms of Trade were also issued for comment in November, and final terms are due to be released in the next few months, to come into effect from 1 July 2010.

Find out more.

SALLY RILEY TO LEAVE SCREEN AUSTRALIA

Sally Riley, the Head of Screen Australia's Indigenous Department will take up a newly created position as Head of ABC TV's Indigenous Department in May.

Sally has been the Head of the Indigenous Department since 2000, when it was the Australian Film Commission's (AFC) Indigenous Branch. Under Sally's leadership, the Department's new initiatives have provided professional development opportunities for Indigenous filmmakers, creating enormous growth and a distinctive body of work.

"Sally has played an extraordinary role in the development of Indigenous Australian filmmaking during her decade as Head of the Indigenous Department," said Ruth Harley, Screen Australia Chief Executive. "Some of Australia's most acclaimed and unique screen stories have been developed and produced through the Indigenous Department largely as a result of Sally's passion, tenacity and vision. We wish Sally every success with the next stage of her career and look forward to a continuing relationship with her in her new role to create quality Indigenous programming."

Read the media release.

UPCOMING MARKET INTELLIGENCE FORUM

Don't forget to check out Screen Australia's upcoming one-day forum Working the X-Factor: positioning films in a challenging marketplace.

"The forum is an opportunity for the production community to come together to consider the challenges they face in today's marketplace. But beyond that, it aims to give Australian filmmakers both hands-on practical information and ideas on how to best promote themselves and their projects in the marketplace," says Screen Australia Head of Marketing, Kathleen Drumm.

Guest speakers include: Jane Schoettle, Senior Programmer at the Toronto International Film Festival; Michele Wolfkoff, Director of Development & International Productions, Focus Features (Universal) Los Angeles; James Brown, Head of Acquisitions for UK distribution & production company, Metrodome; Sara Rose, LA-based Vice President of Acquisitions for US distributor, Apparition; Andrew Mackie, Joint Managing Director of Transmission Films, Sydney; Joel Pearlman, Managing Director of Roadshow Film Distributors, Melbourne; and Matt Liebmann, Commercial and New Business Director - Hoyts Exhibition, Sydney.

Sydney - Monday 29 March
Melbourne - Wednesday 31 March
$55 (incl. GST) per delegate

More information and registration form

SCREEN AUSTRALIA ON THE ROAD

Screen Australia is wrapping up its current series of industry forums around the country with a session in Canberra on 18 March. Perth and the Northern Territory will follow in the next few months.

The forums are discussing issues which may be canvassed in the Federal Government's upcoming review of support measures for the independent production industry, including the Producer Offset. We're also keen for views on Screen Australia's co-production program guidelines.

Thank you to all those who've shared their insights at the sessions so far in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Hobart and Sydney. We hope to have the video of the Melbourne forum on the website soon.

More info, and to RSVP for the Canberra forum.

PROGRAM DEADLINES

Marketing

30 April - Sunny Side of the Doc Market Travel Grant

Production Investment

15 March - Features (including complete finance plans) for the April Board meeting

22 March - Adult TV Drama for the April Board meeting

20 April - Features for the July Board meeting

See all deadlines.

Please note: many Screen Australia funding programs do not have deadlines and are not assessed in rounds. Please check the website for application details for specific programs.

 

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