Previous Special Initiatives

Screen Tasmania and Australian Children's Television Foundation Children’s Television Drama Initiative

Development funding is available for up to two live action children’s television drama series

Aim of the Program

Screen Tasmania recognises the value of series television in building sustainable industry, providing ongoing employment, training opportunities and economic benefit to Tasmania. This program aims to develop a series television program with the desired outcome of seeing at least one series progress into production.

About the Program

Screen Tasmania is partnering with the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF) to deliver a children’s television drama initiative aimed at both experienced and also emerging Tasmanian writers and producers that are delivering high-quality content and have a demonstrated track record and commitment to a professional career in the screen industry. 

Funding is available to practitioners to support the development of original and quality concepts to bible and potentially second draft script stage.  Projects must be suitable for either the C drama category (5-14 year olds) or a dedicated children’s channel. It is expected that projects might be aimed at sub-categories within that age group, rather than trying to appeal to such a broad developmental age range.  For example, 5-8 years, 7-10 years, 10-14 years. See the guidelines for more information on C drama classification.

The development process will mirror standard industry practice in television drama. Successful applicants will work under the guidance of an experienced story producer who will lead a workshop with experienced industry professionals to assist applicants to fully flesh out their concepts. The workshop will be followed by a 12-week development phase to get the project to the stage where it is ready to be pitched to broadcasters.

Further Information

When: Wednesday 24 June 2009
Time: 4.30pm - 6.30pm
Venue:  The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel
            1 Macquarie Street, Hobart

 RSVP is essential by email

Potential applicants may also be interested in attending the Australian Film Television and Radio School's 'Writing a Children's TV Series' course in Hobart from July 7-9 2009.  Further information here.

Who can apply

Both emerging and experienced practitioners (writers and producers) may apply. All applicants and projects must meet the general eligibility criteria, in addition to the following:

·       individual writers or writer/producers may apply but Screen Tasmania strongly encourages applicants to apply as a part of a team. Teams may comprise of two writers or a writer and producer team

·       whilst first time screenwriters may apply, this is not an initiative for novices and in the absence of screen credits it is expected that the applicant is able to demonstrate a level of experience and craft skill in a relevant area of expertise such as prose writing 

·       all applicants must be Tasmanian residents

·       no market place interest is required to apply for this initiative.

For full details download the guidelines.

Download the cover page

Download the application form.

For enquries contact Screen Tasmania's Project Manager on +61 3 6233 6995