Create NSW’s Sophia Zachariou wants the new initiative to encourage dramas like HBO’s ‘Insecure’.
The ABC and Create NSW have launched a $100,000 development initiative to sniff out character-driven, half-hour dramas.
The two organisations are currently seeking one to two page pitches for half hour, returnable drama series suitable for prime time on the ABC. They have stated they are after projects with ‘heart and humour’, and that priority will be given to projects that demonstrate diversity, and/or focus on a younger audience.
Up to 10 applicants will be shortlisted to attend a masterclass in early 2018 featuring key creators and showrunners from successful local and international productions, and four projects will go on to received matched joint development funding of $20,000 each from Create NSW and ABC. Development deliverables will be due September 2018.
Create NSW director for sector investment Sophia Zachariou said: “With this initiative we’re looking to create home-grown half-hour dramas that can equal the likes of international productions such as HBO’s Girls, Looking and Insecure.
“We want to see ideas for dramas that draw viewers in with bold and powerful but most importantly, relatable storytelling. This is a great opportunity to support existing as well as emerging screen talent, and I can’t wait to see the variety of applications.”
ABC head of scripted production, Sally Riley added: “We want to break open the half-hour space for Australian drama and with this initiative we’re thrilled to be creating more opportunities for screen practitioners to tell compelling stories that surprise and delight audiences. We hope to see ideas that are both uniquely Australian and universal, and that can ignite and provoke conversation.”
Applications opened today and will close midnight January 28, 2018.
Apply here: http://www.screen.nsw.gov.au/funding/development/half-hour-drama-development-initiative