Interim Skills and Talent Development Manager Chantal Chateauneuf discussed the Digital Originals initiative experience with Hannah Ngo, co-producer of web series Iggy & Ace 5eva to provide some tips for budding applicants. Applications are open now and close on Friday, 11 March 2021 at 5:00pm AEDT (2:00pm AWST).
Digital Originals is a joint initiative of Screen Australia and SBS, aimed at developing exciting and innovative drama projects to premiere on SBS On Demand and NITV, from screen creatives who are currently under-represented in the sector.
The initiative aims to support practitioners and projects that reflected gender equity and/or the diversity of people and experiences from around Australia. This includes First Nations Australians, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) backgrounds; those who are living with a disability, people who are gender diverse or identify as LGBTQIA+ and regional and remote practitioners.
Chantal Chateauneuf explained, “Considering this; how amazing would it be to have more Western Australian practitioners supported through this initiative? I would love to see this happen and would encouraging you to apply, just like successful applicant Hannah Ngo, producer of Iggy & Ace 5eva.”
Regarding the most valuable part of the Digital Originals experience Hannah Ngo said she valued, “… Meeting the other teams and seeing the slate of projects coming out from all across Australia. We have gone on to work with and socialise with the Digital Originals cohort – forming meaningful friendships. It was also great to meet the Online team at Screen Australia as well as to solidify the relationship we had established with SBS coming off Tribunal.” (Tribunal is available on SBS On Demand, and was the winner of Best Screenplay at the 2021 Mardi Gras Film Festival in Sydney).
Ngo added, “You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. It’s a good opportunity to connect with other potential collaborators and put yourself out there.”
Providing her best advice for future Digital Originals applicants, she explained, “Be open to constructive criticism, apply with something appropriate for the short format and surround yourself with a good team.”
Chantal’s Top 3 Reasons You Should Apply for Digital Originals Through Screen Australia.
- You’ve got to be in it to win it! Your amazing, ground-breaking project from a unique WA perspective won’t be funded if you don’t at least apply. Whilst Screenwest is always your first point of contact for screen project funding in WA, there are other opportunities out there. This is an amazing opportunity for diverse, emerging and mid-career practitioners!
- It’s all about visibility. You’ll introduce yourself and your creativity to Screen Australia and put yourself on their radar. We want WA practitioners to share their talent and create new networks. Applying for a Screen Australia special initiative is a great first step and will get you noticed by them and potentially SBS!
- Practice makes progress. If you aren’t successful, look at those that were to develop a sense of what funders are looking for so you can improve your pitching skills and creative materials. You can also start building the relationship with Australia’s national funding agency!
Still not sure if you should apply? Watch Screen Australia’s Q&A video and read the guidelines! You can also reach out to the online team at Screen Australia and ask any further questions you might have.
Applications close Friday, 11 March 2021 at 5:00pm AEDT (2:00pm AWST).
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