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15 06 2023 - Media release

Screen Australia, VicScreen, SBS and Arenamedia announce Originate Features recipients

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Originate Features finalists. (L-R) Kalu Oji, Rosie Lourde, Hannah Ngo, Ivy Mutuku, Mimo Mukii, Katie Found, Adrian Chiarella and Harvey Zielinski.​

Four feature films from VicScreen’s inaugural Originate Features initiative are set to be fully financed through a $2.8 million investment, delivered in partnership with Screen Australia, SBS and Arenamedia.

Launched in 2021, Originate Features is designed to champion the work of emerging writers and directors who are from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds in the screen industry.

The multi-stage initiative has quickly become the largest of its kind in Australia, unearthing an exceptional and wide range of homegrown talent.

The development of each finalist’s project has been supported from early concept, to now, as they prepare to head into production and compete in the global marketplace.

The successful teams and their projects are:

  • Into the Blue by Writer/Director, Katie Found and Writer, Markella Kavenagh: Destined for the nursing home after a dementia diagnosis, 80-year-old Iris enlists the help of her teenage granddaughter Poppy to help her fake her own death.
  • Sweet Milk Lake by Writer/Director, Harvey Zielinski and Producer, Rosie Lourde: A softly spoken trans man who, after being mistaken for his alpha, cis twin brother by his estranged and dying dad, relishes the opportunity to be “one of the boys.”
  • Pasa Faho by Writer/Director, Kalu Oji and Producers, Mimo Mukii and Ivy Mutuku: Struggling shoe shop owner, Azubuike, attempts to reconnect with his 10-year-old son, Obinna.
  • Leviticus by Writer/Director, Adrian Chiarella and Producer, Hannah Ngo: Cursed by a supernatural being, two queer teenagers are forced to confront their desires.

The investment will support two of the projects to head into production by June 2024, with the following two projects kickstarting production the following financial year.

Participants have been mentored throughout the process by powerhouse industry figures, including Arenamedia producers Robert Connolly (The Dry) and Liz Kearney (Blueback), Head of Scripted at SBS, Julie Eckersley and Commissioning Editors of SBS Scripted, Loani Arman and Donna Chang.

Screen Australia CEO, Graeme Mason said, “Screen Australia is incredibly proud to support the Originate Features program, which is generating a really important opportunity for these untapped filmmakers to share their unique stories on the world stage. We are proud to support the Australian talent discovered through this initiative – and we can’t wait to see what this group will bring to our screens.”

Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulous said, “Through VicScreen’s targeted initiatives, we are providing a major career launchpad for new voices who will build their careers and help shape the future of our screen industry.”

VicScreen CEO, Caroline Pitcher said, “Never before in Australia, have we seen an initiative champion bold new voices to this scale. This is a game changer for our filmmakers, one that sets a new precedent in how we can support untapped Australian talent.”

Robert Connolly, Founder and Director of Arenamedia said, “Arenamedia is excited to be working with SBS and the team at VicScreen on this exciting initiative to bring new and diverse creative voices to our screen, championing filmmaking teams with a bold and adventurous approach to cinema and unique stories to tell.”

Head of SBS Scripted, Julie Eckersley said, “Congratulations to these incredible creative teams! The projects being developed through Originate epitomise contemporary Australian storytelling and showcase the tidal wave of emerging talent in our sector who have historically been under-represented in the stories told on our screens. SBS is thrilled to be involved in the meaningful opportunity this initiative provides as part of our commitment to elevating new voices and supporting sustainable pathways that will lead to a more inclusive future for our sector.”

Following the success of Originate Features, the initiative is now focusing on television, with today marking the launch of Originate Series – a new talent and skills development escalator for Victorian writers looking to propel their careers in television. 

Eight aspiring early-career to mid-career writers will be selected to undertake masterclasses and paid professional development opportunities, mentored by experienced TV series writers and producers.

Participants will also complete a world-class eight-month television writing program delivered by the University of California (UCLA) School of Theatre, Film and Television’s Professional Programs. 

Throughout the program, participants will hone their craft, completing two original scripts and pitch materials. Towards the end of the initiative, all participants will be given the coveted opportunity to pitch their projects to Victorian producers and key market partners. 

Applications for Originate Series are now open to Victorian writers, with applications closing Tuesday 11 July. To apply or for more information, click here.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Emma Mackenzie | VicScreen Senior Publicist​

+ 61 413 919 094 |  [email protected]

Media enquiries

Maddie Walsh | Publicist

+ 61 2 8113 5915  | [email protected]

Jessica Parry | Senior Publicist (Mon, Tue, Thu)

+ 61 428 767 836  | [email protected]

All other general/non-media enquiries

Sydney + 61 2 8113 5800  |  Melbourne + 61 3 8682 1900 | [email protected]