Eighteen NSW production companies hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic will be given a lifeline as the NSW Government has announced the recipients of more than $1.7 million in funding through Screen NSW’s new Slate Development Fund.
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said the NSW Government is committed to protecting the livelihood of the screen sector during these unprecedented times. “Support for our local screen industry is more important than ever. I’m thrilled to be able to announce this much-needed funding so NSW production companies can deliver on a wide range of new works representing Australia’s diverse stories, at a time when we need it the most,” He said.
“From projects that create opportunities for filmmakers in regional NSW, to the adaptation of a powerful story set in a women’s refuge centre, to stories that support our communities in western Sydney, the diversity and strength of projects supported will further boost the reputation of NSW as the leading State for screen creatives.”
“I’m excited to reveal the high quality of the project submissions has resulted in more funding provided to the initiative enabling 18 production companies to deliver 66 projects. At the crux, it will generate employment for so many creatives in the screen sector whose future was, up until now, uncertain.” said Mr Harwin.
The Slate Development Fund is part of the NSW Government’s suite of funding measures developed to support the NSW small to medium arts and screen sector impacted by COVID-19. Production companies will each develop a slate of three or more projects to be produced and/or post-produced in NSW across TV Drama, Factual, Features, Documentary and Online.
The projects span a range of subjects and genres including thrillers, play and novel adaptations, comedy, art and documentary series with many projects set to support filmmaking opportunities in regional NSW and western Sydney communities.
The overwhelming strength of the projects demonstrated by a large number of applicants has resulted in funding of over $1.7 million delivered, which is an increase from the $700,000 originally committed for this initiative.
A full list of the Slate Development Fund recipients is available here. For more information about Screen NSW, visit: www.screen.nsw.gov.au for details.
Image: Hugh Miller. Ghosthunter – Ben Lawrence CCTV