Screen Australia will allocate almost one-third of its next enterprise funding round to feature film producers.
The national screen agency will provide up to $150,000 over two years to new feature film producers who have had recent commercial or critical success through its "Feature Enterprise" strand. The Enterprise Program scheme, which is aimed at building local production companies, will provide up to $500,000 in total in 2012-13.
“Feature Enterprise is an initiative which rewards success in a very light touch manner,” Screen Australia’s chief executive Ruth Harley said in a statement. “Recipients can use these significant funds for such things as hiring writers and developers, funding infrastructure, option purchases and travel support.” Applications for the Feature Enterprise strand close on September 17.
The Enterprise Program began in 2009 with $9 million in funding allocated across 12 production companies. Many of those companies have found success although much of their screen output has received further direct funding from Screen Australia. The Enterprise Program will provide screen businesses with up to $2.5 million over three years. Applications are open until August 6.
Screen Australia also announced that UK screen executive Christina Willoughby and consultant Jonathan Olsberg will once again join Screen Australia’s Enterprise Program assessment committee alongside Ruth Harley and Screen Australia senior manager, state and industry partnerships, Chris Oliver.
Contact this reporter at bswift@www.if.com.au or on Twitter at @bcswift.