Screenwest Launches the ‘Brighter’ Ideas Fund
Screenwest Launches the ‘Brighter’ Ideas Fund
Screenwest is excited to launch the Brighter...
Screenwest Launches the ‘Brighter’ Ideas Fund
Screenwest is excited to launch the Brighter Ideas Fund, a follow on to the WA Screen Industry Sustainability package, to support internationally successful Western Australian writer/directors. Applications close Monday, 16 November 2020 at 5:00pm AWST.
As the impacts of COVID-19 are still unfolding around the world, Western Australia finds itself in an advantageous position, with filmmakers and creatives who had previously relocated and achieved international success, having returned to their home state.
Screenwest has identified that there are returned writer/directors not currently funded by Screenwest or attached to a Screenwest funded project who require immediate support with drama development funding.
“The opportunity presented through funding new projects is not only to support talented, displaced individuals but, in turn, benefit the sustainability of the Western Australian screen industry and development of Western Australian Intellectual Property in the long term,” explained Matthew Horrocks, Head of Screen Investment and Strategic Projects.
“The WA Screen Industry Sustainability Package was made possible with the support of the State Government of Western Australia and Lotterywest. The commitment of funding to this additional initiative recognised the importance of telling amazing Western Australian stories and harnessing the exceptional talent of Western Australians to do so,” added Willie Rowe, CEO of Screenwest.
About Brighter Ideas
The Brighter Ideas Fund is designed to support a select number of writer/directors to develop their own new daring and aspirational Western Australian drama projects. The fund is designed to put Western Australia’s internationally proven talent to work developing WA projects in Western Australia.
With up to $20,000 per project available, Brighter Ideas is specifically designed for:
- Immediate support for Western Australian writer/directors that have achieved international success within the last 18 months on a feature film or exceptional short film project.
- Filmmakers not currently funded directly by Screenwest or currently attached as a key creative on a Screenwest funded project.
- Filmmakers who can demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the Western Australian screen sector.
- Filmmakers who have recently returned to WA, or have been forced to stay in WA, as a result of the COVID pandemic.
About WA Screen Industry Sustainability Package
The WA Screen Industry Sustainability Package was rolled out in March 2020 when COVID-19 commenced having significant impacts on the screen industry in WA. The Taking Care of Business and Taking Care of Business Fix it in Post Funds assisted production companies, producers and Post and VFX companies to keep doors open, while Bright Ideas assisted below the line crew and directors in the immediate aftermath. The Brighter Ideas aims to harness returned creatives and generate new projects during a challenging time.
How to Apply for Brighter Ideas
The full guidelines, application materials and eligibility criteria are available on the Development Funding page of the Screenwest website.
All program guidelines are to be read in conjunction with the Screenwest Terms of Trade.
Applications must be submitted through the SmartyGrants application portal. Direct links can be found on the program page for each fund. An automated receipt will be emailed to the applicant upon submission. If you do not receive the receipt or have any trouble submitting your application via Smartygrants, please contact Screenwest as soon as possible on +61 8 6169 2100.
Please note: the submission portals for all funding programs close automatically at 5:00pm AWST sharp on the specified due date.
Allow plenty of time to submit your application in case of unanticipated problems. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. If you are having any trouble with the application form, please contact the Screenwest office on +61 8 6169 2100 as soon as possible and we can assist.
Please read our article with tips for using SmartyGrants if you have not used the portal before.
Please note that this round will be assessed in line with the current Terms of Trade and existing Scripted, Footloose and Documentary Production Fund guidelines.
Applications close Monday, 16 November 2020 at 5:00pm AWST.
Program Contacts
For more information about this program, please contact:
Barbara Connell
Screenwest
T: (08) 6169 2127
E: barbara.connell@screenwest.com.au
Franziska Wagenfeld
Screenwest
T: (08) 6169 2110
E: franziska.wagenfeld@screenwest.com.au
Toll Free: 1800 463 043 (regional callers)
Contact Screenwest
T: +61 8 6169 2100
E: info@screenwest.com.au
www.screenwest.com.au
www.filminwesternaustralia.com.au
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