SBS Independent (SBSi) and the New South Wales Film and Television Office (NSWFTO) are pleased to announce the creation of the NSWFTO and SBSi Television Drama Development Fund.
The focus of the fund will be to develop television series for prime time screening on SBS. The fund will support:
• distinctive drama with a twist;
• projects that reinterpret genre in fresh and challenging ways;
• projects which address the SBS Charter to reflect Australia’s cultural diversity, and inform, educate and entertain all Australians; and
• projects that add to the diversity and strength of the NSW screen industry.
$150,000 will be earmarked to create new opportunities for exceptionally talented NSW practitioners to develop drama projects for screening on SBS. Experienced writer/producer teams are encouraged to approach the Television Drama Development Fund which will be jointly managed by the NSWFTO and SBSi.
‘SBS has enjoyed a long association with NSW based practitioners and we are anticipating this fund will only further strengthen these vital creative partnerships,’ General Manager of SBSi Ned Lander said.
‘The NSWFTO is delighted to partner SBS in supporting the local production of unique and innovative Australian drama. We have already worked together to support Remote Area Nurse, and the groundbreaking new crime show East West 101.,’ Tania Chambers said.
‘With our existing slate and the anticipation surrounding East West 101 we expect the drama development fund to further reinforce SBS’s reputation as the home of distinctive Australian television drama,’ Ned Lander added.
Both parties look forward to developing future landmark NSW based drama series.
Full details of the fund will be announced by Ned Lander and Tania Chambers during the 2007 SPAA Conference on the Gold Coast, November 13-16.
[release from TM Publicity, for the FTO]