Film Victoria has partnered with Universal Pictures Content Group, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies, to create Big Picture – an initiative to develop extraordinary documentaries for the big screen.
Open to both experienced documentary filmmakers and emerging storytellers who are yet to attain their first screen credit, the initiative calls for compelling stories with global appeal to follow in the success of films such as Three Identical Strangers and Marianne & Leonard, both acquired and distributed by Universal Pictures Content Group.
Filmmakers with special access to a person or ‘a world’ in the areas of music, crime and sport – reminiscent of the inspirational story of one of the world’s most iconic fighters, Conor McGregor: Notorious and the Film Victoria-supported feature documentary, Mystify: Michael Hutchence – are encouraged to apply to further develop their distinctive, ambitious documentary story ideas together with Universal Pictures Content Group. Other subject matter will also be considered.
One project suitable for theatrical distribution will be selected for development funding of up to $20,000.
“Some stories are just meant for the big screen and Big Picture provides an opportunity for a new voice or a seasoned filmmaker to develop a commercial documentary for release in cinemas. Crucially, they can do so with an experienced market partner in Universal Pictures Content Group, putting them in a strong position to reach global audiences,” said Film Victoria CEO Caroline Pitcher.
Applications for Big Picture: Universal Pictures Content Group and Film Victoria Feature Documentary Development Fund are now open and close 11pm Thursday 4 February 2021. Successful applicants will be notified by mid-March 2021.
Visit film.vic.gov.au/funding/funding-for-development/
