An Opening Shot for young documentary makers

Screen Australia and ABC TV Documentaries are calling for submissions to Opening Shot 2.

Screen Australia and ABC TV Documentaries are calling for submissions to Opening Shot 2, a $400,000 initiative that aims to support and enable talented young documentary makers to tell their stories through a prime time series for ABC2.

ABC TV is looking to commission up to six one-off films to form an insightful and entertaining series that will look at contemporary Australian life and appeal to a broad audience.

ABC TV Head of Documentaries, Alan Erson, says, “Opening Shot series 1 shows  the next generation of documentary makers have distinctive voices and visions. I can’t wait to see what Opening Shot series 2 brings.”

Screen Australia’s Documentary Manager, Liz Stevens, says, “It’s really important for younger filmmakers to have an opportunity to develop their craft and it’s hard to get a break in an industry that relies on experience. Opening Shot offers a chance for them to have a go.”

Applicants can apply for up to $80,000 for each half-hour documentary. To be eligible, the director must be 35 or under at 1 June 2012.

Guidelines and application forms can be found on the Screen Australia website and abc.net.au/independent

Applications close at 5pm on Friday 1 June 2012.