ScreenACT Newsletter

Following is the official press release sent out today in relation to the new ScreenACT and Screen Australia initiative, Project Pod.

This is a great opportunity for ACT/Capital region based screen practitioners to be involved in a six month long, international standard professional and project development program, the likes of which we have not seen in the region before.

You need to get in quick! The application process is relatively simple - but in a very short time frame. Applications are open today, but will close on Monday 29th March, 2010 at 10.00am . Participants who are successful will be notified within 4 days.

All of the dates for the program are outlined in the guidelines and on the website.

Click here for more information, and where to do download guidelines and application form.

Any questions, please do not hesitate to call Monica Penders, Manager, ScreenACT on 0437 0457 06 or via email.

And a big thanks to Screen Australia for their support on the pilot ScreenACT Project Pod.

Friday 19 March 2010: ScreenACT and Screen Australia today announced the launch of Project Pod, a six-month long professional and project development initiative for ACT/Capital region film, TV and digital media practitioners.

Project Pod will increase the capacity of screen project development in the ACT and support a group of targeted projects to reach market-ready stage.

Areas covered over the six-month period will include narrative and story, introduction to development practice, pitching and presentation skills and introduction to producing. The program will also offer networking opportunities with interstate industry professionals and Screen Australia representatives and one-on-one professional development.

In the first phase of Project Pod, 24 practitioners will attend workshops over a two-week period. Following this phase, 10 participants will receive one-on-one development with a professional script consultant and be invited to attend additional workshops. In phase three, participants will receive final feedback from industry professionals. In the next phase, up to four projects will receive additional funding for further development.

“Project Pod is a unique opportunity for ACT-based practitioners to develop their projects in a structured and supported environment. Screen Australia is proud to be partnering with ScreenACT to present the ACT’s first targeted development program. We hope to see a strong slate of market-ready projects developed through Project Pod in the coming months,” said Martha Coleman, Head of Development at Screen Australia.

“I am very excited about this initiative. The long-term nature of the program will build capacity and help local screen practitioners move their projects further along the development pathway. We are grateful for the support of Screen Australia, which has enabled us to deliver this program,” said Monica Penders, Manager, ScreenACT.

The Project Pod program will be delivered by international script consultant Stephen Cleary and ScreenACT with funding and support from Screen Australia.

ScreenACT, the ACT Office of Film, Television and Digital Media, is funded by the ACT Government and managed by Canberra Business Council. With a taskforce of local industry representatives, it is responsible for implementing industry development initiatives, providing location production support and working with other states on potential partnering projects.

For more information including application form and guidelines go to www.screenact.com.au

Places are competitive. Applications close 29 March 2010.