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Screen Queensland teams with AFTRS on SVOD initiative First Concepts

Screen Queensland CEO Tracey Vieira.

Screen Queensland and AFTRS will team up to shape original Queensland stories exclusively for global VOD audiences.

Queensland Originals: First Concepts with AFTRS will see talented local writers, directors and producers receive select briefings with industry leaders.

The exact nature of the briefings, to be held in Brisbane this month, is somewhat vague at this stage: a Screen Queensland statement described them as "designed to share the secrets of successful drama series and inspire Queensland talent to develop work that strikes a chord with global streaming video-on-demand (SVOD) audiences." 

"This initiative is a huge component of our strategy for growing the size, success and profile of our screen industry and to invest in talent and support great storytellers to find new audiences," Screen Queensland CEO Tracey Vieira said.

"First Concepts is an exciting way to do that, and we hope it will inspire writers, directors and producers in our state to think big an share authentically Queensland stories with the world."

"This 'Golden Age of Television' has redefined the viewer experience and has presented huge opportunities for storytellers. It is important for Australian storytellers to take advice and expertise from those that have led this revolution and this is what is driving Screen Queensland and AFTRS’ ambitions to grow talent and local drama for the global audience."

AFTRS CEO Neil Peplow said: "This is an exciting opportunity for AFTRS and Screen Queensland to work in a fast-growing commercial and creative environment and to help talented creatives develop an understanding of the opportunities it presents, shape their work for the most successful global platforms, and position their stories and our industry in a meaningful way."

Participants will also be involved in a 'boutique workshop' to be held in late 2016, developed and delivered by AFTRS and led by a U.S. showrunner.

The story workshop will prepare up to four creative teams to pitch their ideas in face-to-face meetings with global SVOD executives in early 2017.