Screenwest and Screen Australia are excited to launch Out Now, an initiative for original scripted LGBTQIA+ web series. Applications are now open.
Do you have a bisexual vampire genre romance? Awesome! Or, maybe you have a lesbian time-travel drama? Great! What about a children's show about a mischievous puppy with two mums? Cute! Think outside the box and stretch the bounds of LGBTQIA+ stories on screen.
Out Now is the first Australian scripted funding initiative open exclusively to LGBTQIA+ web series proposals. Screenwest with the support of Lotterywest has teamed up with Screen Australia and is looking for projects to cut through on an online platform, from LGBTQIA+ Western Australian creative teams keen to shape the future of LGBTQIA+ storytelling. Applications close on Monday 25 January at 5:00pm AWST.
In line with Screenwest's current Indigenous Screen Strategy, Out Now will support at least one project with an Indigenous writer and director attached.
Screenwest will be assisted by Western Australia's Centre for Stories to source and develop LGBTQIA+ stories and talent, and connect creatives together. A networking and information session about the initiative will be held at Connections Nightclub in Northbridge on 2nd December 2020 at 6:00pm AWST.
"We are incredibly excited to collaborate with Screen Australia on this initiative. There has been a real push for more authentic storytelling from LGBTQIA+ writers and directors," explained Chantal Chateauneuf, Interim Talent Development Manager at Screenwest.
"Our aim is to uncover unique stories that will resonate with international audiences online. We believe we have an amazing talent pool of LGBTQIA+ creatives in WA, and we're excited to be part of the push for #OwnVoices storytelling in Australia," said Screenwest Production Assistant and originator of the initial idea for the initiative, Stephanie Cole.
"Online series are a fantastic way for emerging creatives to kick start their careers and connect with a wide audience. We are looking forward to this initiative not only bringing more authentic LGBTQIA+ stories to screens, but that we will also have the chance to connect with and foster emerging creatives in Western Australia. We are thrilled to be partnering with Screenwest and look forward to unearthing new and compelling LGBTQIA+ stories," said Screen Australia's Senior Online Investment Manager Lee Naimo.
FUNDING AVAILABLE
Six applications will be shortlisted and receive $2,000 in development funding. These six shortlisted teams will then take part in a series of development workshops to get their projects in the best shape possible to apply for production funding.
Following the development workshops, up to three of the shortlisted applicants will receive up to $100,000 per project in further production funding from Screenwest and Screen Australia.
Teams applying for funding must:
Be a Western Australian resident filmmaking team (producer, writer, director).
Have an LGBTQIA+ identifying writer and director attached.
If applying for the Indigenous strand, two out of three key creatives (writer/director/producer) must identify as Indigenous. One of these key creatives must be the writer.
Be able to complete the series within one year of the date of their contract (including projects that contain animation or CGI).
Have a separate producer and director attached to the project. Submissions with director/producer applicants will not be eligible.
The project must also be episodic (a minimum of two episodes) and no longer than 30 minutes in total length. For full guidelines please visit here.
Uncovering Diverse Stories
Screenwest will work in partnership with the Centre for Stories to connect filmmakers with diverse and talented storytellers to bring together creative teams. The partnership will focus on uncovering untold stories which could become the foundations of these exciting new screen projects.
The Out Now initiative is designed to represent LGBTQIA+ stories on screen, however it is important to represent a variety of voices and stories in authentic and engaging ways.
Centre for Stories will attend the networking session on 2 December 2020.
Networking and Information Session
Date: 2 December 2020
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Where: Connections Nightclub, 81 James Street Perth.
Price: Free
