Screen Queensland has unveiled the first act in its 2015-16 early career screen program – Queensland Originals: Short Fiction.
Queensland Originals: Short Fiction offers four Queensland filmmakers the opportunity to develop, produce and market a seven-minute short film aimed at prestigious Australian and international festivals.
The selected projects, which will include two from Indigenous filmmakers, will each receive a $30,000 grant to make high-quality, short dramas that will form part of a clear career pathway for the creative team.
Screen Queensland chief executive, Tracey Vieira, said she was excited about the new short film initiative.
"The Short Fiction Program is part of our strategy to foster a strong and successful screen industry in Queensland by providing opportunities for our talented storytellers to grow their skills and careers," she said.
"I am looking forward to rolling out the remaining programs in our Early Career Screen Program over the course of the year."
The Early Career Screen Program 2015-16 will include opportunities for practitioners to develop and create work, and to build their careers through prestigious placement and attachment opportunities, in addition to the Short Fiction initiative.
SQ recognises short films can be an integral part in filmmakers’ career development and can shape and sharpen storytelling skills across a range of disciplines and, at their best, put a career on the map.
SQ's head of development and production, Jo Dillon, said: "Launching our Early Career Screen Program with the Short Fiction initiative shows we mean business when it comes to supporting Queensland’s writers, directors, producers at all stages of their careers.
"It is part of SQ’s commitment to supporting Queensland talent, helping storytellers to develop their skills and experience, and comes from our belief that a great short film can be an international calling card for a talented filmmaker.
"We are excited to discover new voices from across our state, and in particular from the Indigenous community whose stories we want to ensure are reflected on our screens."
SQ acknowledges the financial support of Screen Australia in the Early Career Screen Program.
Applications for Queensland Originals: Short Fiction close at 5pm,October 12.