Looking for filmmakers with drive, ambition and the commitment to produce a short screen project. Drama, documentary, animation, experimental or cross platform. Indigenous Breakthrough is for those who want to make a high quality short film to showcase their storytelling and filmmaking talent. One project of up to 20 minute screen duration will be selected. INDIGENOUS BREAKTHROUGH is for single person applicants only i.e. the writer/director of the project, however Metro Screen encourages applicants with established Producer/Director relationships to apply. Breakout is generously supported by Screen Australia.

Metro Screen acknowledges Aboriginal elder Lester Bostock as patron.

For experienced filmmakers who identify as Indigenous Australians. [Metro Screen defines ‘experienced’ as those with a screened credit in the crew role they will undertake on this 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 PROJECT IS:
ROSE TATTOO - Alanna Rose [Writer/ Director], Isabelle Perez / Siren Pictures [Producer]

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.  
“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 $22,000 for production and crew fees.  
• Metro Screen production equipment and postproduction facilities to the value of $3,500
• the consultation services of a professional Script Editor
• one place in a short course at Metro Screen to the value of $600
• a joint cast and crew theatrical screening event with other similarly funded Metro Screen projects within two months of the deliverables date.
• 12 months free membership with Metro Screen

TIMELINE/SCHEDULE FOR SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS
Deadline for applications:             Feb 02, 2010
Successful applicants notified:     Mar 01, 2010
Production and post:                    Apr – Oct
Deliverables date:                         25th Oct 2010

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT RESPONSIBILITIES
Successful applicants MUST;

• Attend a pre production meeting at Metro Screen.
• produce a finished film of up to 20 minutes by the deliverables date.

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

•  Completed application form
•  A completed script [does not need to be at final draft]
•  Treatment, including synopsis, character breakdowns [two pages max]
•  Marketing plan [one page max]
•  Director Statement [half page max]
•  Producer Statement where relevant [half page max]
•  Bio/ CV [one page max]
•  Short bio of key crew if known [half page max]
•  Three DVD copies containing at least one screened work made by the applicant.  
•  Budget [must use template provideda available here]
•  Name and contact details of two industry refer

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

“Aboriginal people have been master story tellers since the dreamtime, the chance to tell our stories on film is just an extension of our oral story telling history." Melissa Abrahams made 11:11

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