ABC TV and Screen Australia launch initiative for LGBTQI filmmakers
ABC and Screen Australia have partnered to launch Love Bites, a series of short films created by filmmakers in the LGBTQI community.
ABC TV and Screen Australia have committed $100,000 to the initiative, which aims to provide accessible, engaging and entertaining insights into the lives and interests of the LGBTQI community.
Applicant teams must consist of a director and producer at minimum, one of whom identifies as a member of the LGBTQI community and one who has at least one screen credit in their respective role which has already been publicly released.
The teams will propose their idea to the ABC, where it will be assessed against the ABC TV Arts vision statement ‘Where Life and Culture Collide’.
Love Bites’ 10 winning filmmakers for the five-minute short films will receive $10,000 each to fund their idea, and will be supported by a Screen Australia investment manager and an ABC digital arts commissioning editor.
Each short film’s content, tone and style is decided by its creator, with the selected films for the curated documentary series to premiere on the ABC Arts Channel on iView during the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in March next year.
Mandy Chang, head of ABC TV Arts said Love Bites was a “great opportunity” for the ABC to work with the LGBTQI community in celebrating 40 years of Mardi Gras.
“ABC Arts on iView seeks to reflect the great diversity of stories and storytellers that exist across the country,” said Chang.
“Love Bites is a great opportunity for us to work with LGBTQI filmmakers in a pan ABC celebration of the 40th anniversary of Mardi Gras.”
Liz Stevens, senior manager of documentary at Screen Australia said they were proud to partner with ABC TV Arts to offer LGBTQI filmmakers the opportunity to develop short form content and work with an Australian broadcaster.
