The Victorian government’s 2015-2016 budget provides $4.9 million in new funding for the State’s screen sector.
That includes $3.5 million for Film Victoria’s investment, development and skills programs. In addition, $1.4 million goes to the Melbourne International Film Festival Premiere Fund, the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne and a new Chinese Film Festival in Melbourne.
The increase in screen funding is part of a creative industries package of $202 million which the Andrews government says is the largest since 2009-2010.
“The injection of $3.5 million into Film Victoria’s investment, development and skills programs will allow this agency to continue its support of Victorian screen businesses and practitioners across all platforms to innovate and excel at home and abroad,” CEO Jenni Tosi tells IF.
“The additional $1.4 million for screen culture will enable the Melbourne International Film Festival to continue to secure the worldwide premiere of Victorian projects whilst the ongoing support of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne and a new Chinese Film Festival will allow Victorian audiences to engage with these cultures and contribute to the fabric of Victoria’s multicultural society.”
Projects supported by Film Victoria directly spend more than $150 million in the State each year and provide more than 7,000 jobs.
In other Victorian news, Lee Matthews will work at the Cannes Film Festival Market from May 13-22 May in the Arclight Films booth. Matthews produced the short film Emo, (the musical), which screened in competition at the 2014 Berlin International Film Festival, and he was an associate producer on first-time feature director Ben Plazzer's comedy The Heckler.
Through Film Victoria’s Self Brokered – International Fellowships program Katrina Fleming will work at Lin Pictures, a Hollywood-based feature production and television company to expand her practical knowledge and experience of the international marketplace. Fleming is a producer and writer whose credits include Canopy, Burst! and Faux Pas.
Alexei Mizin and Jeremy Stanford have been selected for writers placements on Wentworth series four through a FremantleMedia partnership with Film Victoria.