02 11 2020 - Media release Screenwest and Screen Australia Launch Out Now Initiative
Out Now
Screenwest and Screen Australia are excited to launch Out Now, an initiative for original scripted LGBTQIA web series. Applications are now open.
Do you have a bisexual vampire genre romance? Awesome! Or, maybe you have a lesbian time-travel drama? Great! What about a children's show about a mischievous puppy with two mums? Cute! Think outside the box and stretch the bounds of LGBTQIA stories on screen.
Out Now is the first Australian scripted funding initiative open exclusively to LGBTQIA web series proposals. Screenwest with the support of Lotterywest has teamed up with Screen Australia and is looking for projects to cut through on an online platform, from LGBTQIA Western Australian creative teams keen to shape the future of LGBTQIA storytelling. Applications close on Monday 25 January at 5:00pm AWST.
In line with Screenwest's current Indigenous Screen Strategy, Out Now will support at least one project with an Indigenous writer and director attached.
Screenwest will be assisted by Western Australia's Centre for Stories to source and develop LGBTQIA stories and talent, and connect creatives together. A networking and information session about the initiative will be held at Connections Nightclub in Northbridge on 2nd December 2020 at 6:00pm AWST.
We are incredibly excited to collaborate with Screen Australia on this initiative. There has been a real push for more authentic storytelling from LGBTQIA writers and directors, explained Chantal Chateauneuf, Interim Talent Development Manager at Screenwest.
Our aim is to uncover unique stories that will resonate with international audiences online. We believe we have an amazing talent pool of LGBTQIA creatives in WA, and we're excited to be part of the push for #OwnVoices storytelling in Australia, said Screenwest Production Assistant and originator of the initial idea for the initiative, Stephanie Cole.
Online series are a fantastic way for emerging creatives to kick start their careers and connect with a wide audience. We are looking forward to this initiative not only bringing more authentic LGBTQIA stories to screens, but that we will also have the chance to connect with and foster emerging creatives in Western Australia. We are thrilled to be partnering with Screenwest and look forward to unearthing new and compelling LGBTQIA stories, said Screen Australia's Senior Online Investment Manager Lee Naimo.
FUNDING AVAILABLE Six applications will be shortlisted and receive $2,000 in development funding. These six shortlisted teams will then take part in a series of development workshops to get their projects in the best shape possible to apply for production funding.
Following the development workshops, up to three of the shortlisted applicants will receive up to $100,000 per project in further production funding from Screenwest and Screen Australia.
Teams applying for funding must:
Be a Western Australian resident filmmaking team (producer, writer, director).
Have an LGBTQIA identifying writer and director attached.
If applying for the Indigenous strand, two out of three key creatives (writer/director/producer) must identify as Indigenous. One of these key creatives must be the writer.
Be able to complete the series within one year of the date of their contract (including projects that contain animation or CGI).
Have a separate producer and director attached to the project. Submissions with director/producer applicants will not be eligible.
The project must also be episodic (a minimum of two episodes) and no longer than 30 minutes in total length. For full guidelines please visit here.
Uncovering Diverse Stories Screenwest will work in partnership with the Centre for Stories to connect filmmakers with diverse and talented storytellers to bring together creative teams. The partnership will focus on uncovering untold stories which could become the foundations of these exciting new screen projects.
The Out Now initiative is designed to represent LGBTQIA stories on screen, however it is important to represent a variety of voices and stories in authentic and engaging ways.
Centre for Stories will attend the networking session on 2 December 2020.
Networking and Information Session Date: 2 December 2020
Time: 6:00pm 8:00pm
Where: Connections Nightclub, 81 James Street Perth.
Price: Free
RSVP/Registration: Registration deadline and details on how to register here
We strongly encourage all creatives who are interested in applying to the Out Now initiative to come along to the info session. The event will be an opportunity for creators to network, build their project teams, and learn how to craft a web-series that stands out.
Please note that this event will not be streamed online. For more information about the event, please contact the program manager.
HOW TO APPLY The full guidelines, application materials and eligibility criteria are available on the Production Funding page of the Screenwest website.
All program guidelines are to be read in conjunction with the Screenwest Terms of Trade.
Applications will be accepted through the Screenwest SmartyGrants Portal.
An application receipt will be forwarded to the applicant within two working days to confirm that Screenwest has received the application. It is the applicant's responsibility to contact Screenwest if an application receipt has not been received within this timeframe.
Applications close Monday 25 January at 5:00pm AWST.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES Alexandra Biddle | Head of Communications, Screenwest
61 8 6169 2106 | [email protected]creenwest.com.au
Media enquiries Amy Burgess | Senior Publicist
61 2 8113 5800 | 61 413 190 195 | [email protected]
Lidia Williams | Publicist and Events Officer
61 2 8113 1091 | 61 468 784 170 |
Asia, Australia & Oceanic Stories
07/08/2026
Opening Statement: Public hearing of the Inquiry into Racism, Hate and Violence ...
06/08/2026
Screen Australia and YouTube Australia fund five new teams through eleventh Skip...
04/08/2026
SBS helps Australians understand why every Census counts
Media releases
As Australia prepares for the 2026 Census on Tuesday 11 August, SBS is helping ensur...
30/07/2026
Premiere date revealed for SBS Original drama The Airport Chaplain, starring Hug...
29/07/2026
SBS Appoints Chief Commercial Officer and Director of Marketing and Audiences
29 July, 2026
Media releases
SBS is pleased to announce the appointment of Ni...
29/07/2026
Applications open for IFFI/WAVES Film Bazaar in Goa - Producer Delegation 28 July 2026
Image credit: Four Years Later
Screen Australia has opened applications...
23/07/2026
NITV launches new By Mob For Mob series in partnership with NRMA Insurance
23 July, 2026
Media releases
National Indigenous Television (NITV) has launched ...
23/07/2026
Screen Australia announces new national documentary accelerator program 23 July 2026
Screen Australia has today announced the Above the Line Documentary Accel...
21/07/2026
SBS scores biggest ever FIFA World Cup Reach as Spain triumph in the final
21 July, 2026
Media releases
Spain v Argentina attracted a Total TV reach of al...
17/07/2026
Legendary presenter Anton Enus to sign off from SBS World News after 27 years wi...
17/07/2026
Millions rise before dawn to watch FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals on SBS
17 July, 2026
Media releases
England v Argentina attracted a Total TV reach of a...
16/07/2026
NITV and SBS bring Australians to the heart of Garma
16 July, 2026
Media releases
The Garma Festival returns from 31 July-3 August, with NITV and SBS deliv...
14/07/2026
Techtel Successfully Relocates AICD Broadcast Studio to New Sydney Headquarters
BroadcastBroadcast EquipmentLive StreamingBroadcast Studio2026
14 July Writ...
13/07/2026
Millions tuned in for quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on SBS
13 July, 2026
Media releases
Norway v England attracted a Total TV reach of 3.7 mil...
09/07/2026
SBS statement Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion
9 July, 2026
Media releases
SBS acknowledges the gravity of the matters before the Roy...
08/07/2026
Well over half of Australia have tuned in to watch the FIFA World Cup on SBS
7 July, 2026
Media releases
Australia's Round of 32 match against Egypt a...
08/07/2026
SBS and Koorie Heritage Trust announce three-year partnership to celebrate First...
08/07/2026
The right team. The right time.' How The Killings at Parrish Station stuck t...
08/07/2026
Australians in Film and Screen Australia launch FUTURE VISION Forward to elevate...
07/07/2026
New appointments to Screen Australia board 7 July 2026
The Albanese Labor Government has made new appointments to the Screen Australia board.
Dr Tania Chamber...
07/07/2026
The right team. The right time.' How The Killings at Parrish Station stuck t...
06/07/2026
Techtel debuts insyght: making ST 2110 media discovery easy
intellisphereinsyght2026
6 July Written By Suzanne Costello
Sydney, Australia - 06 July 2026 T...
03/07/2026
Caden Pearson appointed new Commissioning Editor for NITV
3 July, 2026
Media releases
National Indigenous Television (NITV) has strengthened its commitment...
02/07/2026
Screen Australia backs audience-led filmmaking with new insight-driven initiativ...
02/07/2026
Screen Australia refines guidelines for Narrative Content Development and Docume...
01/07/2026
Groundbreaking First Nations Screen Business Accelerator launched through nation...
30/06/2026
Statement regarding GetUp Save Our SBS' campaign
30 June, 2026
Media releases
The GetUp Save Our SBS' campaign is an independent initiative. SBS ...
27/06/2026
A record 4.84 million Australians choose SBS as the Socceroos advance at FIFA Wo...
25/06/2026
The Name You Know, The Lineup You'll Love - SBS2 Returns
25 June, 2026
Media releases
SBS Viceland rebrands as SBS2 on Friday 21 August, bringing the c...
23/06/2026
Australians in Film and Screen Australia's talent development initiative UNT...
22/06/2026
FIFA World Cup 2026 fever grows, as more than one third of Australians tune in ...
18/06/2026
Techtel delivers Haivision live streaming system for TAFE NSW St Leonards, enabl...
16/06/2026
Australians place growing trust in SBS News
16 June, 2026
Media releases
SBS has been recognised as one of Australia's most trusted news providers, ran...
16/06/2026
Share your views on Screen Australia and the future of the industry 15 June 2026
Your feedback matters.
Following the instrumental insights provided in 2025,...
16/06/2026
Techtel Supports T-Motion RCCP-2A Controller Upgrade for Major Australian Broadc...
15/06/2026
4.78M AUSSIES TUNE IN FOR SOCCEROOS WIN OVER T RK YE ON SBS
15 June, 2026
Media releases
Match had a Total TV average audience of 3.035 million, with over ...
15/06/2026
SBS Head of Commissioning John Godfrey to depart after 18 years
15 June, 2026
Media releases
SBS Head of Commissioning John Godfrey will depart the broadca...
15/06/2026
Techtel Completes Media Production Setup for a major AFL sporting organisation
Sports
15 June Written By Suzanne Costello
(Sydney, Australia 15 June 2026)...
12/06/2026
How Aussie indie games and screen are levelling up with IP 11 June 2026
Ari Harrison, Pro Jank Footy
Head of Games Joey Egger and Ari Harrison of Umbrella sha...
11/06/2026
Australian Games Industry Glossary of Terms 10 June 2026
From DAU and EULA to COT and QADE, here's a list of game industry terms, industry jargon and their...
10/06/2026
Alone Australia Season 4: Meet the Cast
10 June, 2026
Media releases
WATCH THE TRAILER
Smash-hit survival series Alone Australia drops its highly anticipa...
10/06/2026
DEADLY THEN, DEADLY NOW, DEADLY ALWAYS: SBS & NITV IGNITE NAIDOC WEEK 2026 WITH ...
04/06/2026
Is Your Job Making You Work this June?
4 June, 2026
Media releases
SBS Launches the World Cup Watchers' Rights Association to Stand Up For Australians&...
04/06/2026
Statement regarding unauthorised use of SBS logos on third party social content
4 June, 2026
Media releases
SBS has become aware of social media posts in c...
03/06/2026
Clarification: SBS's position on definitions of antisemitism
3 June, 2026
Media releases
Statement by Mandi Wicks, SBS Director of News and Current Aff...
03/06/2026
Do not read this media release! Andy Lee's smash-hit show returns to ABC thi...
01/06/2026
SBS confirms its broadcast sponsors for FIFA World Cup 2026
1 June, 2026
Media releases
SBS has secured Hyundai, Hisense, Macca's, Rexona, bet365, Com...
28/05/2026
Get fit for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with new SBS On Demand features for the ult...
28/05/2026
Six films, one unmissable collection. First Facts documentaries debut on 10 Stre...
02 11 2020 - Media release Screenwest and Screen Australia Launch Out Now Initiative 
