Screen Australia: 20 projects to receive share of $700,000 in story development funding

Screen Australia has announced 17 feature films, two television dramas and one online feature that will share in $700,000 of story development funding.

The projects include Eggshell Skull from writer/director Mia Wasikowska based on the book of the same name by Bri Lee; animated family adventure film Laser Beak Man; TikTok mockumentary series CEEBS from two of the writers of ABC ME’s Turn Up the Volume; and television dramedy Debatable, executive produced by AACTA award-winning producer Meg O’Connell.

This slate includes 11 projects supported through the generate fund and nine through the premium fund.

Also announced are the three successful teams to receive additional development funding through SBS, NITV and Screen Australia’s Digital Originals initiative.

Screen Australia’s head of development Bobby Romia said, “It’s fantastic to support this exciting mix of projects, including four stories for children and families, with Laser Beak Man being adapted from stage to screen, and the re-invigoration of the much-adored ‘Walking with Dinosaurs - The Arena Spectacular’ animatronics in The Great Dinosaur Rescue.

"These heart-warming stories will explore themes including the importance of chasing your dreams, taking care of the planet and the power of teamwork and community.

“Providing career development and talent escalation opportunities for local screen practitioners is at the core of what we do and I’m delighted to support alumni from Screen Australia’s Talent USA program including Rachele Wiggins with Method to Madness and Vonne Patiag with Tomgirl.”

Other projects funded for development include feature-length dramedy Anna Robi & the House of Dogs, action-adventure feature film Flip, family feature film The Great Dinosaur Rescue, feature-length psychological thriller, Method to Madness and mystery/drama, Method to Madness.

Earlier this year, Screen Australia announced two documentaries through the First Nations Department, 12 documentaries through the Producer Program and seven projects through the Commissioned Program that will share in $4.6 million of production funding.

See also: 21 documentaries to receive share of $4.6 million from Screen Australia

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Top image: Marcus Rivera in Vonne Patiag’s short film Tomgirl