[press release from NSW Govt]
Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts, Virginia Judge today announced the Rees Government would back four short films with grants totalling $120,000 from its Emerging Filmmakers Fund.
Ms Judge said the Fund offered an all-important first break for talented filmmakers.
“The Rees Government is committed to a thriving film industry, where our best people, and the best people from around the world, come to NSW to create jobs and further their careers,” she said.
“These grants give emerging filmmakers the support they need to go on to achieve significant success, both locally and overseas.”
Previously known as the Young Filmmakers Fund, $2.7 million has helped underwrite 115 projects since 1995, and helped launch the careers of creative industry figures including Rachel Griffiths, Joel and Nash Edgerton, and Peter Carstairs.
This year’s grant recipients are:
• Director / Writer Ian Meadows and Producer / Writer Sarah Shaw, for the short drama A Parachute Falling in Siberia – Ian has forged an acting career in productions including Home and Away, while also writing screen and stage plays. Sarah has worked in various production roles, most recently as a line producer on the new feature film Balibo;
• Producer Adam Bishop and Writer / Director Tobias Andersson for the short drama Pop – Tobias has spent 10 years working in the lighting department on various film and television projects including Rolf de Heer’s award-winning film Ten Canoes
• Producer / Writer Colin Elphick and Director / Writer Nathan Lewis for the short drama Attach Boat to Motor; and
• Producer Simon Ritch, Writer Jia Jao Lou and Writer / Director Marc Furmie for the short drama Dark Horse.
Ms Judge said the grants would build on the teams’ existing expertise.
“Each recipient is at a point in their careers where the opportunity to make a fully-funded short film will boost their professional and creative development,” she said.
“Whether they have extensive experience in technical roles, or come from a theatre background, this seed funding will make for a more seamless transition to screen writing, directing or producing.”