Screen Australia and the Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) have announced applications are open for Fresh Cuts. Now in its second year, this initiative invites documentary creators to pitch projects in development that appeal to young adult audiences at AIDC, and offers the opportunity to secure development funding from Screen Australia.
Through the initiative up to six applicants and/or teams will gain the opportunity to receive pitch training and mentorship, and participate in a live pitch to market at AIDC. Three successful teams will be eligible to apply for up to $30,000 in documentary development funding from Screen Australia for their project. The teams will also receive complimentary day passes to attend AIDC in Melbourne on Sunday 3 March, 2024 to participate in the live pitch and attend all other Sunday sessions. Screen Australia will cover the costs of travel and accommodation for interstate and regional finalists.
Fresh Cuts is calling for documentary projects in development that present distinctive and bold stories reflecting a diversity of interests, concerns, dreams and desires that will appeal to and engage young adult audiences (aged 15-35). Projects must be under 30 minutes in duration, can be any form or format including; shorts, singles /one-offs or web series, and for a range of platforms.
Screen Australia’s Head of Documentary Alex West said, “After a successful first year of Fresh Cuts, we are excited to once again partner with AIDC to support a new cohort of creatives in 2024. This initiative offers documentary makers an incredible career development opportunity — providing access to training and mentoring from some of the leading names in the industry, not to mention the live pitch experience gained at AIDC. Together, we want to uncover new voices and support our emerging talent to grow their careers and tell the stories that matter to young audiences. I encourage everyone who is eligible for this career defining initiative, to apply.”
AIDC’s CEO/Creative Director Natasha Gadd said, “The inaugural Fresh Cuts Initiative uncovered exciting new voices with unique stories to pitch at AIDC 2023 and receive development funding from Screen Australia. The response to these projects from our curated line up of decision makers — representing the likes of VICE, New York Times Op Docs, Doc Society and ABC Online — saw a number of projects receiving market support in addition to funding from Screen Australia. We can’t wait to see what bold new storytellers and projects the next instalment of Fresh Cuts 2024 will unearth!”
To apply, one key creative in the team must have at least one documentary or factual title as screen content which is readily available to Australian audiences via widely used platforms such as broadcasters and/or social media. They must also demonstrate a focus on factual subject matter that seeks to connect to younger adult audiences and present a clear pathway to the target audience. Applicants must be available to attend (virtually or in person) a minimum of two AIDC pitch training and mentorship sessions to be scheduled between Thursday 11 January and Friday 14 February 2024. One applicant or member of the team must also attend the final live pitching event to be held at ACMI in Melbourne on Sunday 3 March 2024.
Applicants from underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply. This can include First Nations practitioners; people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; Deaf and/or hard of hearing; people with disabilities; gender diverse identities; LGBTQIA+; people located in regional and remote areas.
For the full eligibility requirements and how to apply see the Screen Australia Guidelines here.
