In support of gender equity and diversity in the Australian film and television industry, Australian pubcaster ABC and local funding body Screen Australia have launched a program aimed at finding the next great female creators of TV content for the country’s tween girls.
Individual applicants, or creative teams, are required to submit a concept for a standalone TV episode that reflects the life of Australian girls encompassing their hopes, dreams and challenges.
The content must be appropriate for ABC Me’s eight- to 12-year-old audience and can be presented in any genre, including sketch comedy, factual, scripted comedy and drama.
Stories that help the audience better understand global issues around body image, gender stereotypes, pay gaps, gendered language and STEM careers are encouraged.
Up to five individual winners or teams will be awarded AU$80,000 (US$61,000) each to produce a 20-minute episode and will receive mentorship from experienced female producers, along with editorial guidance from ABC commissioning editors Libbie Doherty and Jan Stradling, as well as Screen Australia’s senior development exec Nerida Moore.
A season branded “Girls” will then premiere on ABC ME, the ABC ME app and ABC iview in October in celebration of International Day of the Girl.
The program opens up to women age 18 and up (younger applicants will also be considered) on International Women’s Day, March 8, and will close on April 13.
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