Australia Uncovered
Australia Uncovered returns with a call out for more documentaries exploring stories of contemporary Australia
Source: Australia Uncovered pitch at AIDC 2020 (photo credit: Nicola Bernardi)
Australia Uncovered , SBS’s strand of prime-time single documentaries exploring diversity and equality in contemporary Australia, is returning with SBS now inviting proposals for projects to be broadcast in 2022.
It follows the success of the launch of the strand in 2020, with the first season of selected projects currently in production to be broadcast in 2021.
Australia Uncovered will feature up to eight single documentaries ranging from one hour to feature-length. Filmmakers are encouraged to be creative in their approach to style, form and construct, and the uniting factor once again is that all submissions must have something compelling to say about Australia today and align with the SBS Charter.
Shortlisted proposals seeking development funding will participate in a live pitching session as part of the Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) 28 February – 3 March 2021, with successful teams receiving a share of development funding from SBS.
SBS is also once again welcoming proposals seeking production funding and post-production funding for the strand.
Joseph Maxwell, Head of Documentaries at SBS, said: “We were thrilled with the high calibre of pitches submitted last year which has resulted in a strong selection of uniquely Australian stories set to air next year which showcase the ambition of the Australia Uncovered strand.
“Single documentaries allow us to showcase diversity and tackle issues challenging our society in innovative and inspiring ways, through often untold stories and from a variety of voices with reflect contemporary Australia. It’s been a challenging year for so many Australians and we’re looking forward to seeing the creativity and quality of our local sector come through in this year’s submissions.”
Alice Burgin, CEO / Conference Director, AIDC, said: “The Australia Uncovered pitch was a genuine highlight of AIDC 2020. The combination of incredible stories and professional pitches, not to mention the pot of gold at the end, was extremely inspiring. As we move through a challenging year, we look forward to once again celebrating the diverse talent of the Australian screen industry next March.”
SBS has a long history of supporting the broadcast of single documentaries with the financial support of Screen Australia who have also committed to support Australia Uncovered titles.
There are several ways filmmakers can submit their documentary ideas:
Applications for Development Funding
Applicants are required to submit their proposals with ‘Australia Uncovered Submission’ in the subject line to factual@sbs.com.au by 24 January 2021.
Applications for Production Funding
Production companies can also submit ideas that are already fully developed for production funding from SBS.
Applications for Post Production Funding
Production companies can also submit projects that are in mid-production or close to finishing.
Applications for funding from sources beyond SBS
Australia Uncovered projects commissioned by SBS may also be eligible for state and federal screen agency funding.
More details …