Screen Australia announced more than $700,000 in funding through the Story, Talent and Sector Development programs. Included in the slate are fifteen features and three online series; supported placements for two Developing the Developer participants, and sector initiatives led by CuriousWorks, Information Cultural Exchange (I.C.E.) and MEAA’s Equity Foundation.

“In line with our commitment to the Screen Diversity & Inclusion Network (SDIN) Charter, we are incredibly proud to be supporting initiatives that focus on inclusivity,” said Nerida Moore, Senior Development Manager at Screen Australia. “We believe that I.C.E. and CuriousWorks’ grassroots approach to upskilling writers and producers from diverse backgrounds will play a substantial long-term role in improving the range of representations we see on screen. This work will be complemented by MEAA, who are seeking to expand the talent pool so that it more accurately reflects contemporary Australian society. These are highly targeted, industry-led initiatives that show the sector is actively coalescing around this issue.”

Throughout 2016/17, over $2.5 million has been distributed through the Story, Talent and Sector Development funding streams. Story Development accounts for the majority at just under $2 million for 65 projects, including eight web series and two high-end television projects. Several of these progressed through from Gender Matters: Brilliant Stories such as How to Pleasure a Woman, News Junkies and Relic. Other projects – such as Jirga and Slam – have gone on to be fully financed for production.

“In this round we are particularly pleased to see projects led by emerging talent such as Matt Devine, Sophie Miller, Renee Webster and Tasmanian duo Franz Docherty and Belinda Bradley,” said Moore. “Looking ahead, we want to see more projects that engage in the low-budget space in recognition of the opportunities they represent for career development. We also want projects and teams that represent the diversity and uniqueness of the Australian experience, and more online projects. Above all, we are looking for authentic voices that will engage with audiences – whatever the genre.”