Elevate Gets Elevated in 2020!

Screenwest takes its Elevate initiatives to the next level.

Screenwest is pleased to announce enhanced guidelines for the Elevate and Elevate+ Funding Initiatives. Applications open Monday, 18 May 2020 and close on Monday, 8 June 2020 at 5:00pm AWST.

Screenwest’s capability development program is back in 2020 with two unique funding strands Elevate and Elevate+. The fund supports the development and production of scripted short films (live action, animation or web series) which, from past Elevate initiatives have gone on to great success and have become a calling-card for early to mid-career Western Australian Artists.

The multi-phased program involves high-level script and project development prior to the projects moving into production, with successful teams gaining access to specialised workshops as part of the process. For the first time in 2020 Elevate+ teams will also receive development funding for an attached long form project, which will create a pathway for the filmmakers to take the next step in their careers.

Screenwest is committed to developing Western Australian Indigenous and Diverse filmmakers, so in line with Screenwest’s Indigenous Screen Strategy 2016-2020, and Screenwest’s Diversity  Equity Inclusion Plan, Elevate+ will support a minimum of one project with an Indigenous director and a minimum of one project with a key creative (writer/director/producer) who identifies as CALD, LGBTQIA+ or as living with a disability.

Screenwest Talent Development Manager Eva Di Blasio said, “We’re so excited about this new iteration of the Elevate program which captures the best elements from the previous Elevate and Generate funding initiatives, and enables filmmakers to really focus on their long term career goals. The new program closes the gap between short form and long form production for up and coming WA directors.”

She added, “We have exceptional talent in Western Australia and this initiative can be a game-changer for the successful recipients and provide them with an opportunity to show the world their vision and potential to work towards some of our longer form production opportunities such as West Coast Visions.”

Di Blasio explained, “Whilst we will no longer offer Elevate 30, Screenwest will announce a themed, short form initiative in its place in the months to come. Watch this space!”

Screenwest CEO Willie Rowe said, “Now more than ever, Screenwest is committed to the development of Western Australian Filmmakers and to having the visions and voices of Indigenous and diverse practitioners seen and heard on screen.”

To find out more about Elevate and Elevate+ read on!

About Elevate

Elevate is for projects 5-10 minutes in duration.

• Is for talented newcomers to the industry, this is a chance to take their skills to the next level and make a film which will kick start their careers.
• Up to two teams will be selected (A producer with a director and writer/s, or a producer with a writer/director) will be selected to develop and produce a scripted short within one year of selection.
• Is aimed at filmmakers who have graduated from a screen media course or have the equivalent level of experience gained through screen industry activities.
• Applicants can apply for up to $14,000 in funding including up to $2000 for development, $10,000 for production and $2,000 for marketing and festival submissions once the project is finalised and delivered to Screenwest.

About Elevate+

Elevate+ is for projects 10-15 minutes in duration

• It is for more advanced filmmakers with a solid track-record in short-form filmmaking.
• It provides funding support for a short form proof of concept and development funding for an attached long form project.
• Funding will be offered to up to three teams (A producer with a director and writer/s, or a producer with a writer/director) who will be selected to develop and produce a scripted short within one year of selection.
• One of the selected teams will be an opportunity for an Indigenous director and one team with a key creative (writer/director/producer) who identifies as CALD, LGBTQIA+ or living with a Disability.
• Previous director recipients of Elevate70 are eligible to apply for the initiative however priority will be for new directors who are yet to receive this level of funding for a short form project from Screenwest.
• Elevate+ applicants can apply for up to $84,000 including $2,000 for the development of the short form project, $10,000 development of a long form project, $70,000 production of the short form project and $2,000 for marketing and festival submissions for the short form project after it is finalised and delivered to Screenwest.

How to Apply

The full guidelines and eligibility criteria are available on the Development Funding Page of the Screenwest website.

Applications will open on Monday 18 May 2020 so please check back on the Screenwest website for application instructions. Applications close on Monday 8 June, 2020 at 5:00pm AWST.

All program guidelines are to be read in conjunction with the Screenwest Terms of Trade.

Applications will open on Monday, 18 May 2020 and close on Monday, 8 June 2020 at 5:00pm AWST.

Media Contact

For more information about this program, interviews or images please contact:

Alexandra Biddle
Screenwest
T: + 61 8 6169 2106
E:  alexandra.biddle@screenwest.com.au

Program Contact

For more information about this program, please contact:

Eva Di Blasio, Talent Development Manager
Screenwest
T: + 61 8 6169 2107
E: eva.diblasio@screenwest.com.au

Contact Screenwest

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

www.screenwest.com.au
www.filminwesternaustralia.com.au

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