The local television industry has received a boost today with the Victorian Government announcing $2.4 million in funding.
Six projects will receive their share in the investment.
Innovation, Services and Small Business Minister, Louise Asher said that the Production Investment scheme will bring much needed jobs to Victoria’s screen sector.
“The Baillieu Government will support local production companies fostering talent and ideas,†said the Minister in a statement.
Of the six projects selected, three are fictional drama and three are documentaries.
Multi-million dollar telemovie, Beaconsfield has received a $350,000 grant.
Written by Julie McCrossin, the Southern Star Entertainment production tells the story of the 15 days miners Todd Russell and Brant Webb spent trapped underground back in 2006.
It is set to air next year on the Nine network.
Other projects that have been awarded funding include the three part documentary Sporting Nation and the second series of popular drama Offspring.
Â
More about the successful programs:
Â
* The Tale of Devil Island – wildlife biologist Nick Mooney and his team have hatched an audacious plan to save these devilishly delightful little critters from extinction.
Â
* Offspring Series 2 – continuing the story of obstetrician Nina Proudman, her boisterous family and her chaotic romances. Season 1 brought an estimated $8.4 million to Victoria.
Â
* Sporting Nation – a three-part documentary series celebrating Australia’s obsession with sport, with comedian John Clarke speaking to Australia’s legendary sporting heroes, amateur athletes and loudest fans, past and present.
Â
* Phryne Fisher Murder Mystery – a thirteen episode murder mystery series based on the novels of Australian author Kerry Greenwood, set in 1920s Melbourne.
Â
* Australia on Trial – explores the evolution of Australia through three important criminal trials, the Eureka Trail, the Mounts Rennie Rape Trial, and the Myall Creek Massacre Trial.
Â
* Beaconsfield – expected to air on the Nine Network in 2011.