ADVERTISEMENT

Emerging NSW filmmakers are being asked to Go Viral!

Ken Crouch and Sally Regan announce Go Viral! at Screenworks’ Ballina office.

Go Viral!, an innovative project that aims to unearth ground-breaking filmmakers of the future by enabling them to create micro-films and helping their works to reach audiences, launched today.

Five filmmakers – three from regional regional NSW and two based in Sydney – will each receive $4,000 to make a film which focuses on a current social issue and runs no longer than five minutes.

In addition, each will receive professional support from industry mentors including advice on development, production and release strategies.

Applications are now open for content creators of all skill levels – ranging from first-timers to experienced filmmakers. Those who already have an engaged online following are strongly encouraged to apply.

The initiative is funded and supported by Create NSW, the northern NSW-based screen industry organisation Screenworks and Western Sydney’s Co-Curious.

“We want to inspire emerging filmmakers to disrupt the online space by producing truly motivating stories and issues that start conversations, go viral, connect with audiences and help to create change,” Screenworks CEO Ken Crouch tells IF.

“Ideally, the projects will be sharp, specific and uniquely told across a broad variety of genres. We’d love to see some original and resourceful video production techniques being used.”

Acknowledging the challenges facing short films in reach audiences, Crouch suggested filmmakers could create an online presence by partnering with organisations that are impacted by the relevant social issues and with social media influencers such as BuzzFeed and Dailymotion.

Create NSW’s senior manager of screen investment Sally Regan said: “Create NSW is always looking for opportunities to support emerging filmmakers so we’re excited to work in conjunction with Screenworks and Co-Curious to support the growing pool of unique and diverse voices from across NSW.

“This initiative is a great opportunity for new and established filmmakers to create distinctive storytelling with important social messages that will cut-through to generate water-cooler conversation and engage with online audiences.”

Co-Curious will support the two selected Sydney-based filmmakers. Co-Curious CEO S. Shakthidharan added: “Our team brings to the project its long history of working with filmmakers and digital media storytellers in Western Sydney to tell fresh stories and make bold content. We’ll draw on this experience to support the selected Sydney teams at the script, production and distribution stages of the filmmaking process to ensure these projects are the best they can be.”

Applications will close at midnight Tuesday October 2. Applicants must be available to undertake pre-production for the short films in November, with final delivery in late March/early April 2019.

To apply go here