Media releases - 0 $0 million for new interactive programs

Screen Australia today released draft guidelines for a suite of new interactive and multi-platform programs. With $20 million for games, Screen Australia will commit more than $30 million over the next three years including approximately $12 million to be delivered in the first 12 months.

The agency's support for interactive and multi-platform content now incorporates new Federal Government funding through the Australian Interactive Games Fund, as well as funding previously provided through Screen Australia's former multi-platform programs.

Games are growing faster than any other entertainment sector and Australian developers have had extraordinary global cut through as demonstrated by the success of home-grown games such as Real Racing, Fruit Ninja and LA Noire, said Screen Australia's Chief Operating Officer, Fiona Cameron.

The pressure facing the industry is job migration and falling foreign investment. These programs released in draft today go a long way towards realising a strong and sustainable Australian games development sector, to ensure we tap into the huge global appetite for interactive entertainment, Ms Cameron said.

Draft funding guidelines for the programs have been developed following extensive industry consultations and will be open for comment until Friday 1 March.

Screen Australia proposes to distribute funding in the first 12 months as follows:

$4-5 million through Games Production, supporting games developers to produce individual games

$2-3 million through Games Enterprise, supporting games development businesses to develop and enhance their sustainability, as well as fund ongoing development of their games projects

$2-3 million through Multi-platform Drama Production, supporting individual multi-platform drama projects including innovative broadcast and online projects; targeted funds will also support multi-platform extensions for appropriate Screen Australia-funded film and television projects

up to $2 million through Signature Documentary, expanded with an additional $500,000 to incorporate interactive and multi-platform projects as well as distinctive linear projects, supporting bold documentary storytelling for online and mobile platforms as well as big-screen film festivals

approximately $400,000 for sector development and special initiatives.

Minister for the Arts Simon Crean said, I'm delighted the industry consultation process has generated so many innovative ideas around the ways to foster interactive and multi-platform content. It will ensure the great local talent in the industry continues to have a competitive advantage.

Ms Cameron said, This suite of programs will encourage relationships across screen production sectors, acknowledging the similarities as well as the differences between games development and other screen production activity.

To download the guidelines visit screenaustralia.gov.au/DraftGuidelines and to provide comments email feedback@screenaustralia.gov.au by 1 March 2013.

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_130215_draft...
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