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Stan, Screen Qld announce Premium Drama Development Fund

New fund is on the hunt for Qld-based high end drama, from both experienced and emerging talent.

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Stan & Screen Queensland have partnered to launch a Premium Drama Development Fund, which will offer development funding for up to 4 Queensland drama high-end projects.

Yesterday Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Stan CEO Mike Sneesby announced the fund at an event on he Gold Coast ahead of the Logie Awards last night.

The fund has a two-pronged approach, supporting both established practitioners and unearthing new talent.

Mike Sneesby tells TV Tonight, “We wanted to do 2 things. We wanted to have a pipeline of productions through companies, more like the sort of things we already have. But we also wanted to create a vehicle because we have so many grass-roots projects that are pitched to us. In our style of commissioning it’s very difficult for us to be able to take something from a relatively inexperienced independent creator right through to commissioning.

“We think this collaboration will put another step in of support where we can potentially work with Screen Queensland and put some fresh creatives together with scriptwriters, showrunners, production companies and give those projects a real chance, as opposed to what we normally do which is give feedback, advice, a few contacts and say ‘It’s probably not really for us, thank you.’”

Sneesby said while up to 4 projects will be funded there is also flexibility for more. While there is no guarantee projects will proceed to production, Stan is keen to help projects to the next stage.

“We also want to give those projects the ability to get up, but at some point they may find a home on a different network. But at least we got them to a stage where they’ve gone from a creative concept into something that is more saleable and pitchable.

“So we want to create a pipeline but also an opportunity for those who might not have the means or support to get an idea from zero to the level that could be considered by a commissioner or network.”

Round 1: Now open for Qld based individuals or teams without an established prdn co and drama experience. Closes August 17.
Round 2: Open to experienced Qld talent & prdn. cos from August 18. Closes November 2.

Stan / Screen Queensland feature The Second is to be released on Thursday before a Stan screening on July 20.

More info & guidelines here.

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