The South Australian Film Corporation and ABC iview have unveiled a joint ‘digital first’ initiative for SA filmmakers to create content for national distribution.
The SAFC TV LABS iview Originals Initiative will fund up to four 6 x 5 minute productions which will premiere exclusively on ABC iview with the potential for a secondary screening on ABC2.
The initiative seeks to commission projects with grants of up to $100,000 across a range of genres with ABC content heads from factual, comedy, drama, arts, entertainment and Indigenous divisions providing assessment and commissioning support.
SAFC CEO Annabelle Sheehan said the iview initiative takes advantage of the increasing opportunities arising from VOD ervices and subscription TV.
“The initiative has been designed to harness the high impact, low budget spirit of the successful FilmLab program where either established or emerging screen producers will receive development support as well as access to industry advisors via workshops and one to ones,” she said.
“It will heighten local production in South Australia and provide a platform for the local screen industry to have their work launched nationally on iview before then being distributed through other channels.”
ABC director of TV Richard Finlayson said, "Month on month our iview audience continues to grow; they love the service, and the content available. We look forward to this partnership adding to that portfolio by tapping into the wealth of creative talent in South Australia.”
Applications will be open in mid-October with a deadline for submissions of November 30 and productions to be delivered by June 2016.
For more information on the SAFC TV LABS iview Originals Initiative including application requirements visit http://www.safilm.com.au/funding-and-support/production-support/