Sophia Zachariou.
Create NSW, the ABC and the Western Sydney-based creative hub Information & Cultural Exchange (I.C.E.) are calling for pitches for comedy shorts from NSW-based filmmakers.
Up to three teams will each receive up to $75,000 per project, which will premiere on ABC iview and showcase talent and stories from the state.
The youth-focused shorts of four to six five-minute episodes can span a mix of genres including comedy, drama and sketch, deliverable by the end of December.
The teams must have at least one key creative from Western Sydney and priority will be given to teams that include people from under-represented groups.
The selected teams will have access to the professional development services of reps from Create NSW and I.C.E., plus an ABC commissioning editor to guide the projects and build relationships with the broadcaster.
Details of a briefing and Q&A session for interested applicants to be held at I.C.E. will be announced via Create NSW shortly.
Create NSW director for sector investment Sophia Zachariou said: “This is a great opportunity to up-skill Western Sydney creatives with production experience and create new industry relationships through our partners at ABC, I.C.E. and beyond.
“NSW is home to an excellent pool of screen talent and we’re committed to building this capacity further, this time with a focus on increasing the opportunities and exposure for Western Sydney screen practitioners and on expanding the diversity of the people and projects we fund.”
ABC head of comedy Rick Kalowski added: “The ABC prides itself on reflecting Australian diversity through innovative storytelling and this I.C.E. initiative is an exciting means to uncover more of these stories for Australian audiences.”
I.C.E. executive director John Kirkman said: “Western Sydney is a rich source of stories that reflect the reality of a cultural diverse contemporary Australia. I.C.E. is pleased to support this initiative and promote the new stories and storytellers from our region.”
Applications are now open and close at midnight on June 17. To apply please read the full eligibility guidelines and criteria online here.