Looking for filmmakers with drive, ambition and the commitment to produce a short screen project. Drama, documentary, animation, experimental or cross platform. First Break is for those who want to make a high quality short film to showcase their storytelling and filmmaking talent. Eleven projects of up to 8 minutes duration will be selected. For single person applicants only i.e. the writer/director of the project. First Break is generously supported by Screen NSW [formerly the NSW Film and Television Office] and Screen Australia.

For all first time filmmakers including Indigenous Australians and those with a non-English speaking background who want to write/direct a project. [Metro Screen identifies first time filmmakers as those without a screened writer/director credit on a project. ‘Screened’ means TV broadcast or festival/exhibition acceptance.]

Applicants must be a resident of New South Wales. Applications are assessed by Metro Screen’s Projects Manager and a panel of industry representatives.

2010 FUNDED PROJECTS ARE:
First Break Indigenous

DUST UP - Richard Jameson
 [Writer/ Director]
THE BIGGEST PORT -  Elizabeth Wymarra [Writer/ Director]

AESOP’S WHICHWAY - Mitchell Stanley [Writer/ Director]


First Break Multicultural

NAKED LADY - Cennet Serce [Writer/ Director]

HENRIETTE - Katrina Mandic [Writer/ Director]

THE TRAVELLER -  Vijay Boothalingam [Writer/ Director]

SOMETHING FISHY - Kristy Best [Writer/ Director]


First Break General

OLD MAN - Ben Brink [Writer/ Director]

ABBEY - Erin Good [Writer/ Director]

GONE - Josh Mawer [Writer/ Director]

THE BURNT CORK - Alexandra Edmondson [Writer/ Director]

200 local filmmakers submitted applications to First Break, Breakout and Indigenous Breakthrough. A selection committee comprising industry professionals and representatives from state and national screen agencies rigorously assessed the suitability of each application.
 
Watch our BREAKS filmmakers video journals:
KRISTY BEST
JULIAN RYAN
ERIN GOOD
CENET SERCE

“We are continually amazed and encouraged by the depth and talent of those who want to make their mark in the Australian screen industry.” David Opitz BREAKS Manager at Metro Screen.
FIRST BREAK PROVIDES

• a cash budget of $3,000 for production and crew fees.  
• production equipment and post production facilities to the value of $1,000
• consultation services of a professional Script Editor
• an established Mentor/Supervising Producer
• one place in a tailored training course at Metro Screen.
• a joint cast and theatrical screening event with other similarly funded Metro Screen projects within two months of the deliverables date.
• 12 months free membership with Metro Screen

Note: First Break allows for three places to be exclusively offered to filmmakers who identify as Indigenous Australian. Metro Screen proudly acknowledges Aboriginal elder Lester Bostock and his role as patron of the Indigenous stream of First Break.

TIMELINE/SCHEDULE FOR SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS

• Deadline for applications:              Feb 02, 2010
• Successful applicants notified:      Mar 01, 2010
• Tailored training course:  dates:     Mar 19 [6pm - 9pm], 20 & 21 [10am – 5pm], 22 [6pm - 9pm]
• Production and post:                     Apr – Oct
• Deliverables date:                          25h Oct 2010

NOTE: all successful applicants MUST be available to attend the March training course.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT RESPONSIBILITIES
Successful applicants MUST;

• attend all sessions of the tailored training course to take place in March.
• produce a finished film of up to 8 minutes by the deliverables date.

APPLICATION MATERIALS REQUIRED
[Detailed explanations of the below available here]

• Completed application form
•  A current script [does not need to be at final draft stage]
•  Short synopsis and character breakdowns [one page max]
•  Creative concept [one page max]
•  Director Statement [half page max]
•  Bio/ CV [one page max]
•  Short bio of key crew if known [half a page max]

ASSESSMENT
Applications are assessed by Metro Screen’s Projects Manager and a panel of industry representatives.
For an application pack please contact us on 02 9356 1818 or email Projects Manager David Opitz

METRO SCREEN’S PRODUCTION DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE
Metro Screen in partnership with Screen NSW and Screen Australia provides 14 emerging and experienced filmmakers the opportunity to develop their stories and skills. In 2010 Metro Screen offers film funding and support through three development initiatives.

FIRST BREAK | 11 first time filmmakers | projects up to 8 min | $3,000 cash budget | open to all filmmakers with three places reserved for Indigenous Australians and four places for those with a non-English speaking background

BREAKOUT | Two experienced filmmakers | projects up to 15 min | $15,000 cash budget | open to all filmmakers

INDIGENOUS BREAKTHROUGH | One experienced Indigenous filmmaker | projects up to 20 min | $22,000 cash budget

“It’s about training, preparing yourself for making longer films, getting experience and getting known in the industry.” Simon Blyth made 'Father’s Day

Note: Metro Screen’s Lester Bostock Indigenous Mentorship, Multicultural Mentorship and Raw Nerve programs are now being run as First Break.