Screen Australia and the Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) have announced applications are open for Fresh Cuts. Now in its second year, this initiative invites documentary creators to pitch projects in development that appeal to young adult audiences at AIDC, and offers the opportunity to secure development funding from Screen Australia.

Through the initiative up to six applicants and/or teams will gain the opportunity to receive pitch training and mentorship, and participate in a live pitch to market at AIDC. Three successful teams will be eligible to apply for up to $30,000 in documentary development funding from Screen Australia for their project. The teams will also receive complimentary day passes to attend AIDC in Melbourne on March 3 2024 to participate in the live pitch and attend all other Sunday sessions. Screen Australia will cover the costs of travel and accommodation for interstate and regional finalists.

Fresh Cuts is calling for documentary projects in development that present distinctive and bold stories reflecting a diversity of interests, concerns, dreams and desires that will appeal to and engage young adult audiences (aged 15-35). Projects must be under 30 minutes in duration, can be any form or format including; shorts, singles /one-offs or web series, and for a range of platforms.

To apply, one key creative in the team must have at least one documentary or factual title as screen content which is readily available to Australian audiences via widely used platforms such as broadcasters and/or social media. They must also demonstrate a focus on factual subject matter that seeks to connect to younger adult audiences and present a clear pathway to the target audience. Applicants must be available to attend (virtually or in person) a minimum of two AIDC pitch training and mentorship sessions to be scheduled between January 11 and February 14 2024. One applicant or member of the team must also attend the final live pitching event to be held at ACMI in Melbourne on March 3 2024.

Applicants from underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply. This can include First Nations practitioners; people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; Deaf and/or hard of hearing; people with disabilities; gender diverse identities; LGBTQIA+; people located in regional and remote areas.

Successful applicants will be notified by December 22.