Funding announced for 9 Screen Australia projects

Screen Australia has today announced $12 million in funding for four feature films, three television dramas and two children’s projects.

Among the projects is the third series of ABC’s drama Total Control and the much-anticipated dramedy of life during World War II, While the Men Are Away, which will air on SBS.

Minister for Arts Tony Burke said: “Showcasing Australian stories – particularly First Nations stories – is a central part of what I want to do as Arts Minister. Shining a spotlight on Australian stories, is so important, not just for those in the arts sector, but all of us as Australians. These stories contribute to our national identity, and I know these projects will showcase the incredible talent and creativity of our actors, writers, producers, directors and post-production workers – here in Australia and right around the world.”

Of the nine projects, two received funding through the First Nations Department:

The Moogai, a horror film from Redfern Now writer and director Jon Bell in collaboration with Mitchell Stanley (We Are Still Here) and Kristina Ceyton and Samatha Jennings of Causeway Films.

Total Control Season 3 offers a six-episode run of the popular series, which stars Deborah Mailman and Rachel Griffiths, telling a story of political battles and personal histories. A band of esteemed writers include Julia Moriarty (Barrumbi Kinds), Meyne Wyatt (Heartbreak High) and Debra Oswald (Offspring).

Over 2021/22, Screen Australia distributed over $44 million of production funding for film, television and children’s projects. The agency provided a further $6 million to drama productions through the First Nations Department.

Feature films that received the funding:

Addition, the debut feature film from Becca Johnstone (Open Slather).

Went up the Hill, a New Zealand-Australian co-production from Samuel Van Grinsven and Jory Anast (Sequin in a Blue Room).

Little Bird, from director Darren Ashton (Spreadsheet) and writers Harry Cripps (The Dry) and Hannah Reilly (Sheilas).

The funded TV dramas:

While the Men are Away, a queer revisionist history from Alexandra Burke (Sissy), Kim Wilson (Wentworth) and Monica Zanetti (Ellie and Abbie (& Elie’s Dead Aunt)).

North Shore, A six-part crime thriller for Paramount (Australia/NZ) created by Mike Bullen (Cold Feet) and directed by Gregor Jordan (Two Hands) with writing from Marcia Gardner (The Doctor Blake Mysteries). 

The children’s projects:

Rock Island Mysteries Series 2, A 20-episode second series for Network 10, produced by Timothy Powell, and Jonah Klein of Fremantle Australia. 

The Strange Chores Series 3,  A 26-part third season for ABC, from the multi-Emmy Award-winning production company Ludo Studio (Bluey, Robbie Hood) and Media World Pictures.