Screen Australia, ABC, and NITV have jointly announced the launch of the Proper Loved Up Short Film Initiative, aimed at mid-career First Nations producers collaborating with emerging writer and director teams. This initiative seeks to support up to eight First Nations teams in bringing fresh Indigenous stories to the screen. Partnering with various state and territory agencies, the program will not only nurture creative talent but also enhance producers’ business skills to cater to both local and global markets.
Angela Bates, Head of First Nations at Screen Australia, emphasized the importance of empowering First Nations producers to create authentic and commercially valuable content. The initiative aims to provide a holistic experience in short film production, offering seed funding to expand project slates for wider audiences. Bates expressed excitement about exploring the romantic comedy genre space through this initiative, building upon the success of previous themed programs like Shock Treatment.
To be eligible for the Proper Loved Up initiative, stories must be led by Indigenous creatives with Indigenous Australians in key creative roles. While no screenwriting experience is necessary, applicants should demonstrate a passion for pursuing a career in the industry. The initiative encourages the inclusion of First Nations languages in storytelling and aims to showcase diverse narratives.
ABC Head of Indigenous, Kelrick Martin, highlighted ABC Indigenous’s commitment to supporting Indigenous practitioners and fostering creative opportunities. The focus on the rom-com genre within Proper Loved Up aligns with ABC’s dedication to nurturing new producers and diverse voices in the industry, promising joyous and socially engaging content.
Dena Curtis, Head of Indigenous Commissioning and Production at NITV, emphasized the importance of developing Indigenous talent and supporting emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives. NITV’s involvement in the Proper Loved Up initiative underscores a holistic approach to nurturing producers, writers, and directors, with a focus on celebrating black joy and love in romantic comedy dramas.
The Proper Loved Up initiative will be delivered in two stages, offering development funding, training programs, and opportunities for seed funding for slate development. Successful applicants will have access to resources, mentorship, and funding to produce short films for festival and broadcast platforms. The initiative aims to broaden the reach of Indigenous storytelling and enhance the visibility of creative voices in the industry.
Applicants are encouraged to attend an information webinar hosted by Angela Bates, featuring insights from industry experts. The webinar aims to provide an overview of the initiative, application process, and opportunities for emerging talents in the screenwriting and production space.
The Proper Loved Up Short Film Initiative represents a significant step towards empowering Indigenous creatives and fostering a new wave of storytelling that resonates with audiences locally and globally. Through collaborative efforts and targeted support, the initiative aims to amplify diverse voices and narratives in the Australian screen and stage writing landscape.
📰 Related Articles
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Coats for Kids Initiative Empowers International Students
- Teach Us Consent Launches First Nations Resources for Youth
- Kenyan Initiative Combats Menstrual Stigma and Empowers Girls
- Into Eternity Gears Up for First Album with Stu Block
- First Nations Report Guides Future of Australian Arts Sector