AIDC initiative to support new doco filmmakers
9 production companies get behind a fund to help filmmakers attend documentary conference in 2018.
- Published by David Knox
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- Filed under News
A new initiative will help emerging documentary filmmakers to attend the Australian International Documentary Conference next March.
The Leading Lights fund has the support of Beyond International, WildBear Entertainment, Northern Pictures, Media Stockade, Blackfella Films, Fredbird Entertainment, Cordell Jigsaw Zapruder (CJZ), ITV Studios and Essential Media.
Alice Burgin, Conference Director, AIDC said, “Throughout our conversations with the documentary and factual community, it became obvious that new voices and ideas were not only highly desirable, but actually critical to the future of our industry. From these discussions, Leading Lights was born. The response and generosity we have received has been overwhelming, and proves what we suspected: that industry leaders are keen to support emerging talent.
“I would like to thank the companies who have already committed to the program and welcome others to join. Their generous support will help us usher in a new generation of creators and ensure that the future of the industry is in good hands.”
Applications to access the fund will open in January 2018.
“Helping to foster new talent in the non-fiction sector ultimately benefits us all. The team at Beyond is proud to support this great initiative,” said Mikael Borglund, CEO and MD, Beyond International.
“Northern Pictures is committed to supporting emerging factual filmmakers to bring new skills, viewpoints and stories to our industry. We are very pleased to contribute to Leading Lights, providing access to the professional development and networking opportunities offered at AIDC,” said Sue Clothier, Managing Director, Northern Pictures.
“What better way to support our next generation of storytellers then to encourage them to meet with their future peers and to pitch and talk their way through a room full of industry insiders and creative individuals. Let the fun begin,” said Craig Graham, Creative Director, Fredbird Entertainment.
“Media Stockade is a champion for the next generation of filmmakers and we are delighted to support AIDC’ s Leading Lights program. Giving new filmmakers a chance to attend AIDC is a fabulous opportunity to gain experience and build lasting relationships. If only this had been around when we were emerging!” said Rebecca Barry, Producer, Media Stockade.
“Blackfella Films is delighted to support the objectives of the Leading Lights Fund and to sponsor an emerging practitioner from an Indigenous or culturally diverse background to attend AIDC in 2018. Our industry needs greater diversity of voices to ensure its ongoing relevance and vitality, and Leading Lights offers an opportunity for the next generation to meet industry leaders and make connections that could set them on the path to career success,” said Darren Dale, Managing Director, Blackfella Films.