Ten partners with Screen Australia to launch ‘Out Here’ initiative for LGBTQI+ awareness
Ten has partnered with Screen Australia to launch Out Here, an initiative which provides grants to produce documentaries focused on LGBTQI+ diversity in rural and regional communities.
The initiative encourages storytellers to apply for one of three grants up to $80,000 to help develop projects around being LGBTQI+ in country towns. The successful documentaries will then be broadcast on Ten ’s digital streaming platform 10 Play.
Beverley McGarvey, Ten’s chief content officer, said the network is focused on fostering and creating pathways for production talent across the country.
“Out Here is a fantastic initiative that not only opens up opportunities for budding filmmakers to produce a documentary, but also promotes cultural change and inclusion in rural and regional communities. It’s another way we can make sure Australians from all parts of our community are represented on screen and behind the camera. We can’t wait to see all the ideas and uncover future production stars,” said McGarvey.
Network talent including 10 News First Perth newsreader Narelda Jacobs, Show Me The Movie presenter Joel Creasey and Dancing With The Stars contestant Courtney Act are supporting the initiative through broadcast, digital and social promotions.
Screen Australia’s head of documentary, Bernadine Lim, said they were excited to see the stories that come from the project.
“Lived experience is both powerful and raw. We wanted to create a specific space for LGBTQI+ filmmakers to share their real life regional stories with an even wider audience,” said Lim.
“When the time comes to publish the Out Here documentaries, we’re particularly thrilled to be able to partner with 10 to make these Australian stories accessible to view for free on 10 Play.”
Georgie Stone
The Out Here announcement comes after Neighbours announced Georgie Stone, an advocate for gender diverse youth, will be joining the cast as Ramsay Street’s first transgender character.
Applications for Out Here must include a director or producer who identifies as part of the LGBTQI+ community and one of whom has at least one screen credit in the respective role. All key creatives must be Australian citizens or residents.
Applicants will have until Friday 26 April to submit their ideas with the grant recipients announced on Friday 21 June.
topics
Bernadine Lim
Beverley McGarvey
Georgie Stone
Initiative
Neighbours
Network Ten
Screen Australia
Ten
