Media Release: Helping grow Canberra’s film, TV and video game industries with inaugural Canberra Screen and Games Fund

The ACT Government and Screen Canberra are proud to announce the recipients of the inaugural Canberra Screen and Games Fund.

The fund’s debut has been met with overwhelming interest from both the digital games and TV and film production communities, reflecting Canberra’s growing reputation as a hub for world-class digital games and visual storytelling.

Three studios have been awarded Games Production funding to help bring their projects to life. They are:

• Uppercut Games
• Space Dragon Games
• Anecdote Games

WildBear Entertainment has secured funding for the highly anticipated new season of the ABC series, Stuff the British Stole. A prestigious co-production between WildBear, Wooden Horse, and Cream Productions, the series continues to captivate viewers worldwide. In addition, WildBear has been supported for two currently unannounced international series,further cementing their role as a global leader in factual content.

Other successful companies to receive support:

• Ronde Media: The acclaimed producers behind the global hit Bondi Rescue will receive funding for an unannounced observational documentary series for broadcast in Australia.
• Olympia Pictures: Supported for a NZ/Australia co-production feature film with WME handling international sales.
• Good Shout: Local sports production specialists for an unannounced one-off special for broadcast in Australia.

To ensure a steady pipeline of local innovation, the fund is also backing early-stage concepts. Moon Jump Pty Ltd and James Wakeham will receive Games Development funding, providing the essential resources needed to prototype the next generation of Canberra-made digital games.

Michael Pettersson, Minister for Business, Arts and Creative Industries:

“We all know Canberrans who grew up dreaming of a job making video games or a career in film and television.

“Supporting the success of these industries in Canberra doesn’t just help grow and diversify our economy. It helps some Canberrans get their dream job, right here at home.

“Under the former Canberra Screen Investment Fund, the ACT Labor Government’s investments have helped Canberra’s TV and Film sector thrive.

“That is why it is exciting to see such a strong response to the first round of funding under the new Canberra Screen and Games Fund. This first round of recipients demonstrates the depth of talent, innovation and ambition thriving in the ACT.

“As well as supporting creative industry jobs right here in Canberra, our fund is helping showcase Canberra’s stories and capabilities to the world.

“I look forward to watching these projects come to life.”

Holly Trueman, CEO at Screen Canberra:

“The sheer volume and quality of applications for this inaugural round exceeded all expectations.

“By backing established players like WildBear, Uppercut Games and Ronde Media alongside innovative studios and production companies like Space Dragon Games and Good Shout, we are ensuring Canberra continues to be represented in the global creative economy.

“While the fund has now reached capacity for its first year, the projects selected represent a significant win for our local industry.”

– Statement ends –

Media contact:

Jonathan Goodwin
0421 749 612

Image: ‘Null and Void’ Space Dragon Games. A recipient of Games Production Funding.