Four teams will share in $200,000 for Art Bites, a joint initiative between ABC Television and Screen Australia that encourages new arts content from emerging Australian filmmakers.
Two teams from Western Australia, one from Queensland, and one from New South Wales will each receive $50,000 to fund a web series, consisting of six episodes of five minutes each, that will premiere on the ABC Arts channel on iView from November 2016.
Screen West and Screen Queensland are also offering support.
Suburban Interventions (WA), directed by Ian Strange, produced by Brooke Silcox and executive produced by Amanda Morrison, will delve into the life and artistic practice of artist Ian Strange.
The Glass Bedroom (NSW), directed by Kate Blackmore, produced by Bethany Bruce and executive produced by Bridget Ikin, will examine the influence of social media on the work of artists.
The Wanderers (QLD), directed by Selina Miles and produced by Drew McDonald, will follow Australia’s most exciting street artists.
Shock Art (WA), directed by Sam Field and produced by Alice Ross, is a look at how art can take us into deeply uncomfortable territory.
Each project will have the mentoring support of a digital arts commissioning editor at the ABC and an investment development manager at Screen Australia.
Head of ABC Arts, Mandy Chang, said, “This is a wonderful opportunity, in partnership with Screen Australia, to develop the next generation of arts filmmakers, and we’re excited to see the films that emerge from this initiative. ABC Arts on iview is a fantastic platform on which to showcase this up-and-coming Australian talent.”
Senior Manager for Documentary at Screen Australia, Liz Stevens, said, “We were really impressed with the stories that were submitted to the Art Bites initiative and the high level of interest emerging filmmakers have in telling arts-based stories. The final projects give four emerging filmmakers an opportunity to show audiences what they find exciting and important about arts in Australia, right now, through the very popular, accessible and shareable ABC iview platform.”