Press release from ScreenWest
A new ScreenWest-SBS production funding initiative will produce nine WA episodes of the SBS documentary series ‘Secrets and Lives’ and WA producers are being invited to submit their applications to SBS by 30 September.
“Secrets and Lives will take viewers into the fascinating, compelling and entertaining world of WA’s real life characters,” Ian Booth, ScreenWest Chief Executive said.
“The stories could be dramatic, real life soap operas that show us a gripping Australian subculture, or stories about passionate people tackling the major social issues of our time.
“Each story or theme will run for at least three episodes.
“No matter how the stories are told, each episode will reveal the secrets hidden in our characters’ lives and the issues that the programs explore.”
Denise Eriksen, SBS Manager of Production and Development says:
“Secrets and Lives is shaping up to be a really exciting and entertaining new documentary strand for Australian audiences. Similar initiatives with Film Victoria and Screen New South Wales have brought forward terrific ideas which we’re confident will connect with and entertain SBS’s audience. Now we can look forward to similarly great ideas from producers in WA."
WA Culture and the Arts Minister John Day welcomed the new initiative.
“It’s great to see SBS working with ScreenWest to provide this opportunity for WA producers. It’s also a great opportunity for Western Australians to see their own stories broadcast on national television,” he said.
The Secrets and Lives Initiative will provide funding to produce three series of documentaries. One-off documentary episodes are not eligible – each must be a mini-series of three episodes. Up to $360,000 will be provided for the development and production of each series.
Potential WA applicants are invited to an information session in Perth with SBS on 26 August 2009. For further details contact ScreenWest on (08) 9224 7340 or visit www.screenwest.com.au.
The series will be broadcast on SBS during 2010.