Arts Minister Rod Welford has congratulated eight Queensland filmmakers who have received funding and support through two new funding programs of the Pacific Film and Television Commission (PFTC).
Mr Welford said four filmmakers had been selected for the PFTC’s inaugural Creative Fellowship Scheme and a further four had been awarded funding through the Indigenous Development Scheme.
“These new development initiatives were introduced by the PFTC in July 2007 to recognise and develop new talent,” Mr Welford said.
“Our Government, through the PFTC, is committed to developing the local film and television industry, as well as unearthing new talent and creativity within Queensland’s Indigenous filmmaking community.
“The aim of these programs is to provide a new avenue of career advancement for our screen industry professionals.
“It is with great pleasure that I announce the first successful applicants under these exciting schemes and I look forward to watching these filmmakers prosper and contribute to the growing Queensland screen industry.”
Winners of the inaugural $15,000 Creative Fellowships are – Tim Hill, Andrew McInally, Veronica Fury and Sally Madgwick.
The Creative Fellowship Scheme required writers, producers and directors working in feature film, documentary, television drama or digital media to secure sponsors from an established production company and demonstrate how a fellowship would lead to production outcomes and increased career opportunities.
Inaugural Indigenous Development Scheme recipients are – Ian Ludwick, for his project Dambun Man; Sio Tusa Fa’aaefili for Beyonce and the Journeyman; Cameron Costello, for The Hunter; and Benjamin Southwell for Billabong.
The Indigenous Development Scheme aims to increase the number of Indigenous projects produced in Queensland and generate more opportunities for Indigenous filmmakers to refine their skills and break into the highly competitive screen industry.
Each recipient will receive $2000 and a professional mentor will guide these Indigenous filmmakers through the development process to create a short drama screenplay.
[release by PTFC]