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SQ and Stan partner to fund development of high-end dramas

(L-R): Stan CEO Mike Sneesby, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Screen Queensland CEO Tracey Vieira. 

Following on from their collaboration on feature film The Second, Screen Queensland and Stan have partnered on a new fund that will support both up-and-coming and established creatives to develop high-end drama series for the streaming service.

In announcing the Premium Drama Development Fund, which will back the development of up to four shows, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the focus would be on “real Queensland stories, characters and locations with a global audience in mind.”

Stan CEO Mike Sneesby said: “As we prepare to release our critically-acclaimed Stan/Screen Queensland film The Second, we’re delighted to announce this exciting new initiative to support the development of local productions.

“And as our slate of Stan Original productions has grown, so too have our ambitions for locally produced premium drama.

“Stan’s local production model creates world-class original programming for an Australian audience while bringing international investment into the local production industry through our global distribution partnerships.”

The Premium Drama Development Fund will involve matched investment from both SQ and Stan, and will be offered in two rounds based on experience level:

Risng: Round one is now open to Queensland-based individuals or creative teams without an established producer or production company and without experience in series drama. Applications close August 17.

Established: Round two is open to experienced Queensland talent and production companies with a track record in producing drama series. Applications open October 1 and close November 2.

The successful projects will be presented to Stan for their commissioning consideration in June 2019.