The Australian Directors’ Guild (ADG) announced the establishment of the Metro Screen Fellowships at the Dungog Festival over the weekend.
Drawing on Metro Screen’s surplus funds following its closure last year, the fellowships are aimed at continuing the work of the film school in encouraging the ambition of emerging filmmakers. Two fellowships will be available to NSW screen practitioners.
A $20,000 Production Fellowship will be awarded to a NSW based director to assist with the production of a short film in any genre or format.
The $15,000 Open Fellowship is designed to support the career development of an emerging screen practitioner from any discipline, via mentored development, attachments or internships, new research, community building, tailored skills development, networking events, innovative exhibition or travel.
The fellowships are intended to be a stepping-stone to programs such as the ADG Directors Attachment Scheme, Screen NSW Emerging Filmmakers Fund and SPA's Ones To Watch program.
“Before its closure Metro Screen worked closely with the ADG to find ways to continue some of Metro’s important programs for emerging directors,” said ADG CEO Kingston Anderson.
“The ADG is very pleased to honour Metro’s legacy with the announcement of these scholarships, which are currently funded for four years. In that time, we will be working with industry to secure a sponsor to take the program forward.”
The final president of Metro Screen, Kath Shelper, said that for close to 40 years, Metro Screen provided a range of opportunities for NSW emerging screen practitioners and for the telling of stories that reflect the diversity of Australian society.
“Regrettably, we were forced to close our doors at the end of 2015 due to Federal funding cuts, but it’s so great to see the spirit of Metro Screen live on for many years to come through these new Fellowships,” said Shelper.
For more information and to apply: http://www.adg.org.au/events.aspx