Fresh Cuts Documentary Pitch in Australia

Deadline: 22-Dec-22

The Fresh Cuts Documentary Pitch, jointly presented by AIDC and Screen Australia, is a new industry development initiative designed for screen content creators seeking market support and development funding for factual & documentary projects designed to serve young adult audiences.

The inaugural Fresh Cuts Documentary Pitch is calling for documentaries in development that present distinctive and bold stories reflecting a diversity of interests, concerns, dreams and desires that will appeal to and engage audiences aged 15-35.

Funding Information

• Following a successful pitch at AIDC 2023, applicants will be invited to apply for up to $30,000 in documentary development funding for their project from Screen Australia.

What they’re Looking For

• They are inviting ideas for documentaries in development that shine a spotlight on stories that reflect a diversity of interests, concerns, dreams and desires that will appeal to and engage young adult audiences. They are looking for bold stories told with a fresh perspective, distinct voice and unique style.
• Format
  • Proposed pitches must be for factual/documentary (i.e. un-scripted) content suitable for a wide range of online and digital platforms, broadcast and / or streaming and aimed at audiences aged 15-35.
  • There is no minimum length of content, but projects must not exceed 30 minutes.
  • A wide range of formats are acceptable, including:
    • Shorts
    • Single/One-off
    • Web series
    • Broadcast
    • Online
• Style
  • There are no restrictions on visual style, aesthetics, or treatment. Projects could be:
    • Observational
    • Experimental / Hybrid / Poetic
    • Animated Documentary
    • Presenter-led / Participatory
    • Investigative.

Please note: Audio docs (podcasts) XR, immersive or interactive works are NOT eligible for submission.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must meet the general eligibility criteria for Screen Australia funding in the Terms of Trade.
• The following specific requirements also apply:
  • Applications may come from individuals or teams.
  • Applicants or one key creative in the team, must be able to demonstrate they have created at least one documentary or factual title as screen content which is readily available to Australian audiences via widely used platforms.
  • Applications should demonstrate a focus on nonfiction (documentary and factual) subject matter that seeks to connect to younger adult audiences and present a clear pathway to find the target audience.
  • Proposed content should follow the principles and practices of authentic storytelling.
  • Applications from underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply. This can include First Nations practitioners; people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; Deaf and/or hard of hearing; people with disabilities; gender diverse identities; LGBTQIA+; people located in regional and remote areas.
  • Successful applicants must be available to attend (via video link if necessary) a minimum of two of the AIDC pitch training and mentorship sessions to be scheduled between Monday 23 January and Thursday 23 February  2023, and in person at the final live pitching event to be held in Melbourne on Sunday 5 March 2023.

Selected Projects

• Six selected project teams will receive pitch training and mentoring from industry experts prior to presenting their pitch live at AIDC 2023 to a world class line-up of local and international decision makers seeking content for young audiences.
• Up to six successful applicants/teams will each receive:
  • The opportunity to participate in a live pitch to market at AIDC in March 2023 to domestic and international industry decision makers representing a wide range of online platforms, broadcasters, funding bodies, and channels.
  • Complimentary Day Passes to attend AIDC 2023 at ACMI in Melbourne on Sunday 5 March to present their pitch.
  • Travel and accommodation for interstate finalists, supported by Screen Australia.
  • Pitch training and mentorship from experienced industry practitioners prior to AIDC (via Zoom).
  • Following a successful pitch at AIDC 2023, applicants will be invited to apply for up to $30,000 in documentary development funding for their project from Screen Australia.

Assessment Criteria

• Each application will be jointly assessed by AIDC and Screen Australia executives, with external experts taking into consideration the criteria:
  • Creative strength, originality of the project.
  • Nature and quality of submitted video materials.
  • Capacity of the individual/team to manage and deliver the project.
  • The structure and practicality of the proposed development budget.
  • The viability of the applicant’s approach to reaching their target audience.
  • Where appropriate, how the project (including the team /or individual) reflects principles of inclusive and authentic story-telling.

For more information, visit Fresh Cuts Documentary.