The ABC and Screen Australia are once again inviting applications for their Fresh Blood initiative, with new and emerging comedy creators from all backgrounds, abilities, and identities who meet the selection criteria encouraged to apply.

As part of the program, 10 teams will receive $50,000 to produce 3 x 5min comedy shorts and will participate in a Sydney workshop to be held in August. These shorts will premiere simultaneously on ABC and creators’ social media platforms.

From there, up to three teams will be selected to create a longer pilot between 20-27 minutes in length, with the potential to be commissioned by the ABC as a series.

The submission concepts can be narrative, sketch, or vertical, as long as the ideas are fresh, the comedy is strong and there is the potential for full series development.  According to the ABC and Screen Australia, the element of surprise is also a desirable characteristic.

Since Fresh Blood began in 2013, the initiative has launched the likes of Aunty Donna, and the animated series Koala Man, featuring the voices of Hugh Jackman and Sarah Snook.

Click here to review the guidelines for the initiative.