COVID-19 SUPPORT FOR ACT SCREEN SECTOR

May 28, 2020

In by Dov Kornits

The Covid-19 Pandemic has significantly disrupted the Australian Screen Industry. In response to the impact on our local industry, Screen Canberra has developed Covid-19 support streams.
The Covid-19 Pandemic has significantly disrupted the Australian Screen Industry. In response to the impact on our local industry, Screen Canberra has developed Covid-19 support streams.

In such times, the input from professionals in our local screen arts sector is critical. We formulated these support programs through discussions, feedback and ideas from screen professionals and organisations as well as those who participated in our sector development programs.

>      The MADE IN CBR Fund provides specific support to ACT Screen professionals whose work and income have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

MADE IN CBR is a $250,000 Special Purpose Fund established in 2020 under the CBR Screen Fund managed by Screen Canberra on behalf of the ACT Government.   The Fund supports the development of screen projects that have the potential to connect with market and reach audiences, as well as supporting the development of ACT Screen professionals.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr said “The ACT Government is pleased to support Screen Canberra’s investment of up to $250,000 from the CBR Screen Fund into early stage commercial projects for the remainder of 2020. During the current halt in screen production activity, the new initiatives will assist local screen practitioners through the crisis and will help to develop a pipeline of production ready, screen projects for when the restrictions ease.”

FUND OVERVIEW

  • Funding type: Project Loans
  • Applications are due by 9 June 2020 at 5pm
  • Application via the Smarty Grants Online form only
  • Late entries will not be accepted
  • Applicants will be advised of the outcome by mid-July 2020
  • Future round/s of MADE IN CBR Fund will considered later in 2020
  • Guidelines will be available by 28 May 2020.
  • The application and administration fees for applications to the CBR Screen Fund will be waived for this initiative.

“Screen industry professionals often have limited resources and time for development of projects. Many do have time right now with productions shut down and we are working to turn adversity into a benefit. Screen Canberra will support writers and producers to help keep their heads above water and to be able to develop work ready to find its place on screens when production gets back into full swing“, said CEO Monica Penders.

>      The Hardship Grants Program will cover registration costs for Screen Canberra development programs.  This grant was developed to provide support for ACT Screen Practitioners who are experiencing financial hardship during the Covid-19 pandemic.  This will apply, in the first instance, to Accelerator TV Pod which launches in July.

Accelerator TV POD is an intensive gateway program for Australian and New Zealand writers, directors and producers seeking to develop and market-test TV projects with strong commercial prospects. The program has been reworked to be delivered online over a 6-month period. The project-centred program assists participants of diverse backgrounds in generating, developing and pitching a screen project. Through rigorous story and marketing feedback in a collaborative workshop environment, participants have the opportunity to learn how to prepare for and interact with market stakeholders. A number of projects from previous TV PODs are in advanced development with some of Australia’s top production companies.

MADE IN CBR Fund Contact:                           Accelerator POD and Grant Contact:           

Sophie Harper – Senior Manager                              Alexandra Ringland – Project Manager

sophie@screencanberra.com.au                               alex@screencanberra.com.au

 

Picture Credit: DOP Mark Wareham, Director Tony Krawitz and Jacki Weaver on the set of SECRET CITY: UNDER THE EAGLE filming at Parliament House

 

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