Two successful teams will have the chance to create a series for ABC iview to support the programming of 'Blue Water Empire'.
Early career writers, directors and producers will have the opportunity to bring stories from the Torres Strait Islands to screen via a new joint initiative between Screen Queensland, Screen Australia and ABC iview.
Known as 'Straight out of the Straits', the initiative will spotlight "authentic, character-driven Torres Strait Island stories". Sucessful teams will get the chance to develop a short factual series in workshop with David Batty (Black As, Bush Mechanics), with two teams to go on to make a series for ABC iview.
This iview content will support the programming for Blue Water Empire, a new ABC series produced by Greer Simpkin and David Jowsey which explores the history of the Torres Strait Islands.
Screen Queensland CEO Tracey Vieira called Straight out of the Straits "a first" in creating an opportunity for Torres Strait Islanders "to author and craft their own community stories for the national broadcaster’s digital platform.”
While Screen Australia’s Indigenous Unit was first established in 1993, the agency’s head of Indigenous Penny Smallacombe said that this was the first dedicated initiative for Torres Strait Islander people to gain a direct path to audience via ABC iview.
“What’s more, these proposed online series will make for exceptional complimentary viewing for Blue Water Empire,” Smallacombe said.
ABC TV head of indigenous Kelrick Martin described the initiative as "fresh" and "exciting", and one that "promotes and develops new, diverse Indigenous screen talent found in all corners of Australia."
To apply, visit: http://screenqueensland.com.au/initiatives/indigenous-screen-program/