09 09 2017 - Media release Skip Ahead turns four: $500K for online creators from Google and Screen Australia
Skip Ahead alumni (clockwise from top left) Superwog, Charli s Crafty Kitchen, The RackaRacka and BrainCraft
Today at VidCon Australia, Screen Australia and Google Australia announced a fourth instalment of Skip Ahead, the joint initiative which helps the next generation of YouTube storytellers to expand their vision and the ambition of the content they create.
Since 2014, Skip Ahead has supported 14 creative teams, including Aunty Donna, Mighty Car Mods, The RackaRacka, SketchShe and Superwog, to work towards building sustainable careers in the screen industry.
In July this year, Superwog's series pilot was the most successful Skip Ahead premiere to date, amassing one million views in just three days and reaching the #1 trending spot on YouTube Australia. In total, the videos made from the Skip Ahead program have reached a combined global audience of more than 27 million views on YouTube.
For the fourth instalment of the Skip Ahead program, Screen Australia and Google Australia will provide a 50/50 joint funding pool of up to $500,000. A maximum of $100,000 will be available per project, with up to six projects to be funded.
Australian online content creators who have YouTube channels with a substantial existing subscriber base and/or content which has reached significant viewership are eligible to apply. Collaborations between YouTube creators, as well as collaborations with established production companies, are encouraged.
Screen Australia and Google Australia are particularly interested in supporting content creators from diverse backgrounds in terms of culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, people with disability, geographic and/or socio-economic circumstance.
Eligible applicants can propose the format of the project, including episodic series, a standalone piece of entertainment, or an alternative that is appropriate for their creative concept. The project must premiere on the content creator's YouTube Channel by the end of August 2018.
Mike Cowap, Screen Australia's Online Investment Manager said: Skip Ahead rewards the efforts of self-starting filmmakers who have proven themselves to be able to entertain an audience, but may not have had the budget to fully realise their ideas. This is their opportunity to push themselves and their audience, take some risks, and take an all-important step towards a sustainable career.
Daniel Stephenson, YouTube Content Partnerships Manager, Australia and New Zealand said: Skip Ahead aims to help amplify the voices of our next generation of online storytellers, both at home and abroad. Australia has no shortage of amazing content creators, including Skip Ahead alum like RackaRacka, Draw with Jazza and SketchShe. We look forward to seeing more great applications for the fourth round of Skip Ahead.
The deadline for applications is Friday 27 October 2017. For more information see the program guidelines
Successful applicants will be announced in December 2017.
Screen Australia has been investing in online stories since its inception, with a significant increase in titles funded from 2012. For information regarding online funding available beyond Skip Ahead click here
Skip Ahead alumni Channel Title Class of Episodes Total views Total channel views
Axis of Awesome Axis All Areas 2014 4 145,192 56,170,357
Mighty Car Mods Lend Us A Ride: Australia 2014 6 trailer 4,991,686 371,623,647
Sexual Lobster Fernando s Legitimate Business Enterprise 2014 7 4,969,846 55,709,525
Veritasium This Will Revolutionise Education 2014 1 1,575,368 395,617,859*
Neighbours Neighbours vs Zombies 2014 5 trailer 531,469 17,349,161
The Roundabout Crew The Australiana Hostel 2015 3 trailer 145,861 11,444,902
Aunty Donna 1999 2015 10 trailer and outtakes 5,780,798 24,777,307
SketchShe Traffic Jam - The Musical 2015 4 709,760 111,163,748
Draw with Jazza The Tale Teller 2015 1 trailer, BTS and mini doco 1,272,749 185,502,604
How to Cook That The Sweetest Thing 2015 4 5,280,049 497,764,029
Superwog The Superwog Show 2016 1 1,779,857 147,960,626
Charli s Crafty Kitchen Crafty Kingdom 2016 3 BTS 337,309 807,917,134*
Racka Racka Live 2016 TBC TBC 558,963,620
BrainCraft Mutant Menu 2016 1 trailer 100,648 19,909,923
27,620,592 3,261,874,442
*creators have multiple YouTube channels.
Figures as at 7 September 2017.
Media enquiries Scott Dawkins | Senior Manager, Communications
61 2 8113 5886 | 61 403 937 074 | scott.dawkins@screenaustralia.gov.au
Clio Anne Ellis | Publicist and Events
61 2 8113 1091 | 61 450 492 745 | clio.ellis@screenaustralia.gov.au
All other general/non-media enquiries Sydney 61 2 8113 5800 | Melbourne 61 3 8682 1900 | info@screenaustralia.gov.au
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