Screen Australia today announced the recipients of the second round of its Feature Enterprise program, providing $380,000 in support to feature film producers.
The three successful producers of the Feature Enterprise program are:
Kristina Ceyton (Causeway Films Pty Ltd)
Sophie Hyde (Closer Productions)
Sylvia Wilczynski (Red Lamp Pty Ltd)
“We are delighted to be supporting these three filmmakers – they have proven their exceptional capability with the international success of their last feature projects, all of which have performed exceptionally well at key festivals. Kristina Ceyton’s The Babadook, Sophie Hyde’s 52 Tuesdays and Sylvia Wilczynski’s The Rocket have gained impressive worldwide interest and sales. These funds will further build their businesses and offer an immediate boost to the development of their slate of projects,” said Graeme Mason, CEO of Screen Australia.
The aim of the Screen Australia Feature Enterprise program is to recognise new feature film producers who have recently received substantial critical or financial success in the marketplace, by providing a working capital grant over two years to support them in the creation of their next Australian feature projects. The program was launched by Screen Australia in 2012 to contribute to the development of Australian feature film careers and businesses.
Feature Enterprise recipient Kristina Ceyton (The Babadook – Sundance 2014) has joined forces with respected developer and producer Samantha Jennings to pursue a varied slate in genre and scale. The team at Causeway anticipate the funds will strengthen their company by allowing them to diversify into TV collaboration with other producers, while bringing development support to outstanding Australian young talent.
Funding through the program will provide Sophie Hyde (52 Tuesdays – Sundance and Berlin 2014) with the opportunity to focus on feature film development and to strengthen connections with the marketplace, capitalising on the success of her last project. Hyde and her producing partner Rebecca Summerton will have the potential to produce screen drama stories that employ innovative storytelling, emergent ideas and strong audience engagement.
Sylvia Wilczynski (The Rocket – Berlin 2013) will utilise Feature Enterprise funding to provide infrastructure and personnel support in the growth and development of Red Lamp projects, following the successful festival and theatrical release of The Rocket, its debut feature.
The Enterprise Program in its entirety is currently under review with a new program of guidelines expected to be released later this year.