Celebrating 2024
Monday, 13 January
As we start a new year, Screen Canberra takes a moment to reflect on a year filled with significant achievements and growth for both our organisation and the local screen industry. Throughout the year, we introduced exciting new initiatives, moved offices to create a Screen precinct at the NFSA and formed new partnerships while also strengthening our existing collaborations, all contributing towards a thriving creative screen community here in the ACT.
Dynamic Events and Professional Empowerment
+SCREEN STORIES Symposium: We successfully launched the inaugural +SCREEN STORIES Symposium, a pioneering conference that gathered industry leaders in Canberra to explore screen storytelling through an LGBTIQA+ lens. This unique event was made possible through collaboration with our partners at the University of Technology Sydney, Screen NSW, the Australian Directors’ Guild, and with the support of the ACT Government’s Office of LGBTIQA+ Affairs.
The symposium featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Ben Law, Julie Kalceff, Michael Lucas, Patrick Abboud, Monica Zanetti, Dena Curtis, Bjorn Stewart, Hannah Carroll Chapman, Kaya Wilson, Hannah Ngo, Amy Cater, Alistair Baldwin, David Gaider, Elliott Magen, Kirsty Stark, AP Pobjoy, Samara Sendek, and Lise Leitner. Contributions from screen agency and broadcasting representatives such as Bobby Romia, Zaina Ahmed, Phoebe Willem, Daniel Krige, and Kyas Hepworth further enriched the discussions.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rosie Lourde and Dr Natalie Krikowa, whose tireless efforts were instrumental in making the symposium successful. Without their vision and dedication, this event would not have been possible.
Everyone involved should be proud of advancing the dialogue around inclusive storytelling in our industry.
CrewCon in Canberra: In partnership with Crew HQ and the Canberra Institute of Technology, we brought Australia’s largest crew gathering to Canberra. This event has become a crucial platform for film and TV crews across Australia to advance their careers.
First Canberra Screen Vixens Event: Screen Vixens held their first Canberra meet-up at our offices and brought together female-identifying screen producers from the ACT to foster connections and share their experiences, strengthening the local support network for women in the industry.
Women in the Film Panel: A powerful panel discussion on Australian Women in the film industry was held at the National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA), which featured industry leaders like Dr Nell Greenwood and Bryony Marks and was moderated by our CEO, Holly Trueman. During this thought-provoking event, these incredible women shared their journeys, the landscape of gender equality in film, how they are shaping the future of Australian cinema, and the achievements and challenges faced by women in the Australian film industry.
Innovative Opportunities and Initiatives
+SCREEN STORIES Mentorship: As part of the +SCREEN STORIES Symposium, we also launched a comprehensive three-month mentorship program aimed at building a supportive network for LGBTIQA+ screen storytellers.
This bespoke program, created by Dr Natalie Krikowa, was designed to build a dynamic, intergenerational, and interdisciplinary network of support and shared expertise within the LGBTIQA+ screen community. This program will guide a group of LGBTIQA+ filmmakers, screen storytellers, and game makers and support them in a manner that respects and celebrates their unique identities and experiences.
This initiative has already started with mentees from the ACT, QLD, NT, SA and NSW currently going through the program. This program has been designed to test best practices for creating Mentorship programs for the LGBTIQA+ community.
New Kids on the Block: In collaboration with Screenworks, we provided financial and in-person support for emerging filmmakers who attended the Regional to Global Screen Forum. Not only did the successful participants attend the three-day event, but they were also given incredible access and networking opportunities with key industry decision-makers and other filmmakers.
CBR From Print to Screen: Our new initiative offered sponsored placements for locally published authors to adapt their books or plays into screenplays through the University of Canberra ‘Writing Dramatic Screenplays’ course, enhancing their skill set and industry connections.
Canberra Writers Festival: We were delighted to participate as a sponsor of the festival for the ‘Adapting Murder’ event, which saw Canberra creative superstars, crime writer Chris Hammer and screenwriter Felicity Packard discuss how a murderous idea makes the journey from page to screen.
Strategic Partnerships and Continued Growth
NFSA Collaboration: At the start of this year, we were delighted to have moved our offices to the NFSA, deepening our strategic partnership. This set the stage for future collaboration and more industry events, so watch this space.
University of Canberra: We proudly continued our collaboration with the University of Canberra through the Graduate Certificate in Screen Development. The certificate is designed to equip students with the skills to ideate, develop, and write creative ideas into polished scripts. Under the guidance of seasoned industry experts, students receive personalised advice and mentoring, ensuring that they are well-prepared to meet the demands of the industry. Each participant completes the course by producing a high-quality screenplay, which they then have the opportunity to pitch directly to established industry professionals.
Enrollment is open for the Semester 1 2025 intake, click here to learn more.
Bus Stop Films: We again partnered with Bus Stop Films to support their outstanding work in using filmmaking and the film industry to raise the profile of people living with disabilities and other marginalised groups on both sides of the camera. Through a collaborative partnership, we support the local delivery of Bus Stop Films’ Accessible Film Studies Program.
Recognising Achievements
Celebrating the Success of AUSTIN…
AUSTIN, the hit comedy series that was predominantly filmed in Canberra, has captured the hearts of audiences and garnered critical acclaim since its premiere on ABC. Supported by the ACT Government and Screen Canberra through the CBR Screen Attraction Fund and the CBR Screen Investment Fund, AUSTIN has not only shone a spotlight on our beautiful city but has also created training and employment opportunities for local professionals.
The series’ appeal and quality were further recognised when the series was picked up by the BBC in the UK, introducing Canberra’s charm to an international audience, and it recently received a nomination for an AACTA Award for Best Narrative Comedy Series, highlighting its excellence in storytelling and production.
It has also been renewed for a second season, promising more laughs and further economic and creative opportunities for the region and illustrating the potential for major productions to be filmed here in the ACT.
…and the Success of Locals
There have been many amazing achievements by local industry professionals this year; sadly, we can’t name them all, but here are a few highlights.
Tom Blackwell’s Netflix Hit: THE LIE, Tom Blackwell’s project, became the #1 film on Netflix in Australia and New Zealand.
Lina Foti’s International Success: For the first time, a Canberra local, Lina Foti, was selected for the prestigious Screen Australia’s Enterprise People program, allowing her to strengthen relationships with International producers.
Serge Ou recognised by ADG: Local director Serge Ou’s win at the Australian Directors’ Guild Awards 2024, where he took home Best Direction of a Documentary Series Episode or One-Off for his inspiring work on RUNN.
Shannon Wilson-McClinton had two films premiered at the Melbourne International Film Festival with the feature documentary VOICE and black comedy AUDREY.
Screen Canberra is grateful for the participation and support from our community and partners throughout 2024. We look forward to continuing our growth, driving innovation, and celebrating more successes this year.
