By Sam Dallas
Three documentaries, a television series, two electronic games and a Tony Tilse telemovie were the big winners from Screen NSW’s latest cash injection.
The projects will receive $800,000 in an effort to ensure NSW remains the creative capital of Australia, according to Arts Minister Virginia Judge.
"The (state) government is working hard to increase screen production and local content," said Ms Judge, indicating $6.5 million had been invested in local screen productions this financial year.
"For every dollar invested in these screen projects … $13 will be generated through direct production expenditure in the state."
The screen projects include:
• Panic At Rock Island: a telemovie directed by Tilse (Underbelly) and produced by Rosemary Blight (Clubland) and Kylie du Fresne (Lockie Leonard) for the Nine Network Australia.
• My Place – Series Two: Produced by Penny Chapman (RAN: Remote Area Nurse) this half-hour children’s drama series is shot in Sydney, based on award-winning book by Nadia Wheatley and Donna Rawlins and is a Little Leaf production for ABC TV.
• Ballad of a Locust Hunting Man: a documentary written and directed by Robert Nugent (End of the Rainbow) and produced by Mitzi Goldman (Chinese Take Away). It explores the collision between the life of a locust and individuals and communities worldwide who have to deal with locust plagues.
• Fromelles’ Lost Soldiers: a documentary directed by Janine Hosking (Ganja Queen) with executive producer Daryl Karp and producer Sally Regan (First Look), which takes a forensic look at the battle of Fromelles, which occurred in France during WWI.
• Scarlet Road: a documentary written and directed by Catherine Scott and produced by Pat Fiske (An Artist in Eden D), this is a documentary about Australian sex worker Rachel Wotton.
• Huey’s Planet: an on-line electronic game produced by Steve Pasvolsky and Noah Falstein. It is based on surf culture and beach lifestyle.
• Alternator: An electronic racing game produced by Dean Tuttle and Bryan Moses.
A scene from the first series of My Place
The latest round of funding would create up to 650 local jobs, Ms Judge said.
She also announced better support for the documentary sector, amending its terms of trade to be consistent with recent changes made by Screen Australia.
"This will strengthen NSW screen enterprises and reduce red-tape for documentary filmmakers, resulting in more efficient and cost-effective production."
In the past four years, Screen NSW has invested more than $18 million in 113 projects, generating more than $230 million in state expenditure.