Actors Dalara Williams and Mathew Cooper in 2017 short film Last Drinks at Fridas, written by WA's Kodie Bedford. Image courtesy of Screen Australia.

First Nations short film initiative, ‘Proper Loved Up’ open for applications

Proper Loved Up is a new romantic comedy short film initiative. Screen Australia’s First Nations Department, the ABC and NITV are calling for applications from mid-career First Nations producers who have an emerging writer and director team.

In partnership with Screenwest, Screen Territory, Screen Queensland, Screen Tasmania, VicScreen, the South Australian Film Commission, Screen NSW and Screen Canberra, this initiative will support up to eight First Nations teams. As well as bringing fresh Indigenous stories to screens it will build producers’ business skills to develop projects for both local and global markets.

To be eligible stories must be conceived by an Indigenous creative with the key roles of writer, director and producer held by Indigenous Australians. No experience in screenwriting is required, but applicants must demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in this field. Stories that include the use of First Nations languages are encouraged.

Head of First Nations at Screen Australia, Angela Bates said, “We have a proud history of supporting Indigenous creatives to tell powerful and authentic stories that inspire and travel the world. This program expands on the legacy of my predecessors and the work they did in creating the Indigenous Producers program. It is designed to support, uplift and empower First Nations producers by providing them with a practical and holistic experience of producing a short film, in addition to offering individual seed funding to expand their project slate for local and international markets. It’s bold and ambitious, and we are thrilled to partner with the ABC, NITV and the state agencies to bring this to life.”

ABC Head of Indigenous, Kelrick Martin said, “ABC Indigenous is a proud participant of Proper Loved Up, having partnered with Screen Australia’s First Nations department to support career pathways and creative opportunities for Indigenous screen practitioners for many years. It’s a commitment that is fundamental to the work we do every day. We love that this initiative is focused on the joyous, socially awkward fun of the rom-com genre, and can’t wait to see what these new producers and creative voices will deliver!”

Head of Indigenous Commissioning and Production at NITV, Dena Curtis said, “NITV is proud to support the Proper Loved Up initiative, a new look short film program that provides a holistic approach to developing Indigenous producers, writers, and directors. It is vital that we help foster talent within the industry and we are excited to continue to support emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives. We can’t wait showcase short romantic comedy dramas that celebrate stories about black joy and black love.”

Proper Loved Up will be delivered in two stages:

STAGE ONE:

Up to $5,000 in development funding for each project.
Intensive training program with three in-person workshops and four online masterclasses.
Following completion of the workshops, successful applicants will deliver a third draft script and be invited to apply for up to $80,000 in production funding to produce and deliver their short film. The film will have a 12-month festival holdback before broadcast on the commissioning platforms.
A First Nations Series Producer supported by NITV and ABC will work with producers throughout development and production.

STAGE TWO:

Focuses on slate development for local and international markets.
After completing the third workshop, creatives can apply for up to $15,000 in seed funding (from Screen Australia and relevant state agencies) to develop a slate of projects.
Includes opportunities for First Nations Travel Grants to take their slate to a local or international market such as Cannes Film Festival or Screen Forever.

Information Webinar

Applicants are encouraged to attend the webinar hosted by Head of First Nations Angela Bates. The session will provide an overview of the initiative and the application process with insights from Head of Scripted at Blackfella Films Penny Smallacombe and acclaimed writer/director Dylan River. A short Q&A will follow.

Date: Wednesday 18 December
Time: 8am – 9am AWST / 11am-12pm AEDT
Register here
Accessibility: An AUSLAN interpreter will be made available for the webinar. If you would like to discuss this or other accessibility requirements, please contact FirstNations@screenaustralia.gov.au or call 1800 507 901.
A recording of this webinar will be made available on the Screen Australia website.

How to Apply

Applications close Friday, 14 February 2025 at 2:00pm AWST / 5:00pm AEDT.

More details about eligibility and how to apply can be found here.

Contact Screenwest

T: +61 8 6169 2100
E: info@screenwest.com.au

www.screenwest.com.au

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