“Secrets & Lives” factuals for SBS

SBS will ramp up its factual slate with 9 x ½ hour programs under a new Secrets and Lives initiative.

Jointly funded by the New South Wales Film & Television Office (FTO)  and SBS, Secrets and Lives promises to utilise “humour and surprising, innovative approaches to factual story telling to deliver tough subjects, entertaining and engaging journeys, strong characters and, ideally, tackle the major social issues of our time.” That’s quite a charter…

The initiative allows for both development of new ideas and production of previously developed ideas.

Denise Eriksen, Manager Production and Development at SBS said: “SBS is delighted to be working in partnership with the FTO on our exciting new documentary strand Secrets and Lives.

“SBS is about providing great content for its audiences – while ensuring that Australia’s talented producers and directors in the independent sector keep working in difficult financial times. Initiatives like this are extremely important to both the audience and the production community.”

SBS and the FTO will jointly decide on the final selections.

If you’re looking to submit a project for funding, submissions  are invited from today, Monday 15 June 2009.

Programs must be episodic and be made up of 3 x 25 minute episodes. One-off documentary films are not eligible for the Initiative. Only NSW Production Companies or teams are eligible. Projects must be substantially produced or post produced in NSW and successful applicants will need to provide details of their NSW spend.

For full details visit SBS and FTO.