Spring deadline for Springboard: applications open for emerging feature filmmakers

Filmmakers ready for a shot at a debut feature have the chance to make a showcase $150,000 short drama while developing a feature film script through Screen Australia's Springboard program, now open for applications.

The Springboard program is a strategic step aimed at fast-tracking emerging talent and supporting long term careers for filmmakers. Filmmaking teams have the opportunity to develop and produce a fully-funded short drama that shares its inspiration with their linked feature film in development.

Springboard alumni include director Zak Hilditch who, with producer Liz Kearney, was supported to make the award-winning short Transmission a calling card for the apocalyptic thriller These Final Hours, which recently sealed a major distribution deal with Roadshow Films.

Since its launch in 2009, Springboard short films have screened at local and international festivals, winning a string of prestigious awards.

Miranda Nation's Springboard short film Perception won the 2013 Dendy Award for best Australian live-action short film at the Sydney International Film Festival. Her feature film, working title Halfway Motel, is in development while Miranda completes a director's attachment with Kasimir Burgess on Fell.

Nicholas Verso's short film The Last Time I Saw Richard was a 2013 Dendy Award nominee. His feature script Boys in the Trees was nominated for the Monte Miller Award for Best Unproduced Screenplay at the Australian Writers Guild Awards in 2012.

Grant Scicluna's award-winning Springboard short film The Wilding travelled the world, screening in festivals including the Berlin International Film Festival. In 2012, the film was awarded the £25,000 Iris Prize.

Screen Australia's Head of Development Martha Coleman said, Springboard was set up as a pathway by which Australia's most talented emerging filmmakers could take the crucial career steps from successful shorts to first feature. As the program reaches its maturity, it has proved its ability to do just that. Screen Australia is proud of the successes of our Springboard graduates' and is excited to begin the journey with a new set of teams.

The latest Springboard program will begin in February 2014 and will once again be convened by Paul Welsh. Paul is a developer and executive producer of over 50 short films commissioned by Creative Scotland, the UK Film Council, BBC Scotland and Channel 4, and is a producer on director Cate Shortland's feature Lore.

Applications close on 18 October 2013.

For more details, including eligibility and how to apply, go to: http://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/springboard

Media Enquiries

Teri Calder T: 02 8113 5833; M: 0408 440 995

teri.calder@screenaustralia.gov.au

LINK:	http://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/news_and_events/2013/mr_130911_sprin...
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