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Proper Loved Up production funding recipients announced

Screen Australia’s First Nations Department, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and National Indigenous Television (NITV) have announced the recipients who have received production funding as part of Proper Loved Up.

Top (L-R): David Cook (I Dare (Love) You), Devina McPherson (G.O.A.T)
Bottom (L-R): Hannah French (A Grief Encounter), Aaliyah-Jade Bradbury (Belly)

Launched in 2025, Proper Loved Up is a romantic comedy initiative for mid-career First Nations producers collaborating with emerging writer/director teams. Across two intensive workshops, 10 teams took part in development programs featuring masterclasses and mentorship to help shape bold, funny and heartfelt First Nations love stories for the screen.    

Five teams have since received up to $152,500 each in production funding from Screen Australia in partnership with ABC and NITV, Screen NSW, Screen Queensland, Screen Territory and Screenwest. 

Newly appointed Head of First Nations Content Gillian Moody-Ardler said, “Proper Loved Up celebrates the joy, humour and heart of our peoples’ stories. I am thrilled to be joining Screen Australia’s visionary First Nations team and build on the groundbreaking work they’ve done through this initiative, championing the unique and rich tapestry of  Indigenous voices and perspectives.” 

Kelrick Martin, ABC’s Head of Indigenous, said, “The ABC is proud to partner on another fantastic screen initiative – our first in collaboration with NITV – and celebrate the creativity, energy and vision of these teams. Proper Loved Up reflects the ABC's enduring commitment to championing First Nations perspectives, forging meaningful pathways for our creative community and investing in a strong pipeline that nurtures fresh, new ideas for the screen.”

Dena Curtis, NITV Head of Indigenous Commissioning and Production, said, “NITV is proud to partner with ABC Indigenous and Screen Australia’s First Nations Department to champion distinctive First Nations voices and support career pathways for Indigenous practitioners. Building on the proven success of previous short film initiatives, we’re excited to collaborate with our partners, the state and territory agencies and the Proper Loved Up creatives to bring these heartwarming, crowd-pleasing romantic comedies from concept to screen.” 

The five teams and projects that received production funding are: 

  • Cian McCue and Aaliyah-Jade Bradbury – Belly: Fresh from a breakup, Maya arrives at a house party armed with humour and denial. A chance reunion with an old flame cracks open her deepest insecurities, asking whether she can accept herself enough to accept the love waiting for her. 
  • David Cook and Jerome Smith – I Dare (Love) You: When David hears that Jennifer’s ex wants her back, the dynamic between the housemates changes. What begins as playful banter leads to a dare that forces David to confront his true feelings. 
  • Libby Collins and Siena Mayutu Wurmarri Stubbs – Best on Ground: Muthali is a driven footballer with her eye constantly on the goal. Räkay is a young carefree boy who is loved for his footy flair and charisma. Before the all-seeing eyes of a remote community, love will be left on the line, in the middle of the footy ground.
  • Hannah French and James McLaren – A Grief Encounter: A struggling taxidermy artist’s flirtation with a customer takes a turn when she’s asked to stuff his recently deceased wife, forcing them both to confront whether preserving the past can make room for something new. 
  • Devina McPherson and Kimberley Benjamin – G.O.A.T: When Lilah meets new girl in town Rosie, she falls hard for her, but Lilah isn’t sure Rosie is even queer, so she’ll have to do some serious sleuthing to find out.   

Best on Ground. 

Proper Loved Up empowers First Nations creatives to tell fresh, authentic and globally resonant stories with heart and humour. As part of the initiative, producers will also have the opportunity to apply for slate development, as well as the opportunity to apply for funding via the First Nations Travel Grants to attend and pitch their projects at a local and international marketplace.  

Find out more about the Proper Loved Up initiative here.