14 10 2019 - Media release

VICE and Screen Australia announce return of Pitch Australiana at AIDC

Shooting Cats and Burlesque Boys

VICE, Screen Australia and the Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC), have today confirmed the Pitch Australiana competition will return for a third year.

The initiative offers local filmmakers the chance to pitch their way to a $50,000 commission for a short form documentary to be released on VICE.com as part of the digital documentary series Australiana, which is seen in 35 countries. The winning documentary will also air on SBS VICELAND.

The Pitch Australiana competition is open to early career Australian filmmakers that have at least one documentary production credit to their name. Four concepts will be shortlisted to compete, pitching live to an audience and a panel of judges on Wednesday 4 March during AIDC 2020 in Melbourne.

Finalists will also be provided with a unique opportunity to develop their pitch in advance of the AIDC competition with multi-award winning writer, director and producer Matt Bate from Closer Productions whose credits include Shut Up Little Man! An Audio Misadventure, Guilty and Sam Klemke’s Time Machine.

The winning concept of last year’s competition, Burlesque Boys, was released on 10 October. Directed by Isaac Elliott and produced by Lucy Knox, Burlesque Boys is an observational documentary that explores male erotic performers’ gruelling schedules and how they navigate consent with female participants, along with the toll the work has on their relationships, self-image and finances. The 2018 winner was Shooting Cats, directed by Inday Ford and Dylan Blowen and explores the catastrophic impact feral cats have on Australian wildlife and the complexities environmentalists face in their attempt to find solutions to this epidemic.

Bernadine Lim, Head of Documentary at Screen Australia says, “This initiative gives new Australian creators an opportunity to tell distinctive local stories on a renowned global platform. The inaugural winner Shooting Cats has gone on to reach an audience of over 1.5million through VICE’s YouTube channel, and I’m confident Burlesque Boys will also prove popular. We are looking for edgy thought-provoking stories that will provide a unique perspective to a divisive topic.”

Mimi Flemming, Director of Content Distribution & Partnerships at VICE Asia Pacific, said: “We're thrilled to partner again with Screen Australia and AIDC on this fantastic initiative. Championing new filmmakers who tell unique stories is so important to VICE. Pitch Australiana is an incredible opportunity to hero the next generation of Australian talent.”

Alice Burgin, CEO/Conference Director of AIDC says “The AIDC is so pleased to once again be working with the teams at VICE and Screen Australia for a third year on this wonderful initiative. By showcasing some of the country’s hottest new filmmaking talent to the broader industry, Pitch Australiana really has become one of AIDC’s most anticipated events.”

Screen Australia will provide the four finalists with complimentary day passes to attend AIDC and cover the costs of travel and accommodation for interstate finalists.

Pitch submissions are due 6 December, 2019. Finalists will be notified in January 2020. Apply here

ABOUT VICE

VICE is the world’s leading youth media brand. Launched in 1994, VICE operates in approximately 35 territories across the globe making 1500 pieces of content each day with a focus on five key businesses: VICE.com, an award-winning international network of digital content; VICE STUDIOS, a feature film and television production studio; VICELAND, an Emmy-winning international television network; a Peabody award-winning NEWS division; and VIRTUE, a global, full-service creative agency with 26 offices around the world.

VICE's award-winning programming has been recognized by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Peabodys, Sundance Film Festival, George Polk, Scripps Howard, PEN Center, Cannes Lions, Knight Foundation, American Society of Magazine Editors, LA Press Club, James Beard and Webbys, among others.

ABOUT AIDC

Established in 1987, the Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) is Australia’s premier event for the documentary, factual and non-fiction screen media industry. Held annually in Melbourne and featuring a four-day international marketplace, forum and screening program, AIDC provides storytellers, broadcasters and entrepreneurs with the opportunity to learn, make connections, and participate in a range of project pitching and marketplace initiatives. A not-for-profit organisation, AIDC is committed to connecting creators, purveyors and viewers of nonfiction screen media in ways that promote industry sustainability, inspire creativity and ignite social change.