Arts Minister Rod Welford has urged aspiring Queensland screenwriters with a short film idea to apply for Bligh Government funding.
Mr Welford said grants were available through the Pacific Film and Television Commission’s (PFTC) Short Film Development Scheme.
‘This scheme is a proven means to help Queensland scriptwriters refine their skills to forge a career in the film industry,’ Mr Welford said.
‘Our Government, through the PFTC, provides a range of professional development opportunities for aspiring writers and filmmakers, with a view to nurturing a pool of skilled Queensland talent.
‘These people are the future of film in Australia and we see them contributing creatively to local production companies to keep our screen industry thriving.
‘The Short Film Development Scheme has a twofold effect – helping emerging screenwriters to develop original and creative short drama scripts under the guidance of a professional mentor while increasing short film production.’
Brisbane writer Stephen Irwin received funding in a previous round of the Short Film Development Scheme to develop a short comedy script titled Car Pool. The film was subsequently produced by filmmaker Veronica Wain, with financial assistance from PFTC, and won Best Comedy at the 2007 St Kilda Film Festival.
‘Car Pool is a good example of how writers can use this scheme to see their vision come to life and acquire a screen credit which could lead to bigger and better things,’ Mr Welford said.
Development investment of up to $2000 will be provided to successful applicants to generate a scene breakdown and up to three drafts of the screenplay. Applications which illustrate a writer’s commitment to pursuing a screen industry career and the potential audience reach of their work will be highly regarded.
Applications to the Short Film Development Scheme close on 14 April 2008. For more information, guidelines and application forms, visit http://www.pftc.com.au/
[release from the PFTC]