FRIDAY 20th MARCH – Ramada Hotel, Ballina
The Business of Producing Seminar

Have a great idea for the next classic Aussie film? Inspired by Australia’s diverse and unique landscapes? It’s time to get writing for the chance to develop your idea into a market-ready screenplay and get it in front of key industry figures!

Entries are now open for AACTA Pitch:
Regional Landscapes in partnership with Screenworks, a national pitching competition held at 2020 Business of Producing seminar, aimed to discover and develop an original feature film idea that celebrates Australia’s stunning regional areas.

AACTA, in partnership with Screenworks and with support from the Australian Writers’ Guild are looking for original and unique story concepts in which the regional setting lends itself as a central character to the narrative. Location as character has long been a defining feature of Australian filmmaking, where our lush rainforests, crisp blue coastlines, picturesque country towns, boundless bushlands and the spectacular outback offer local and international audiences a deeper insight into uniquely Australian environments and perspectives.

The winners will have the opportunity to develop their story concept into a screenplay with prizes including: industry connection opportunities through the Australian Writers’ Guild Pathways program; script development from acclaimed screenwriter Emma Jensen (I AM WOMAN, MARY SHELLEY); invaluable feedback and ongoing guidance from the esteemed judging panel; three day pass to all sessions at the Screenworks 2020 Business of Producing seminar; AACTA, Screenworks and Australian Writers’ Guild annual memberships; and two tickets to the 2020 AACTA Awards presented by Foxtel Industry Luncheon, and the Ceremony and official After Party.

Up to five finalists will pitch their ideas at Screenworks 2020 Business of Producing seminar to the AACTA Pitch judging panel which is comprised of:

  • Michele Bennett, award-wining producer (JUDY & PUNCH, CHOPPER, MR INBETWEEN)
  • Deb Cox, Creative Director and Co-Founder Every Cloud Productions  (MISS FISHER’S MURDER MYSTERIES, SEACHANGE)
  • Amanda Duthie, Acting Head of Scripted at SBS, previously CEO/Creative Director of Adelaide Film Festival & Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund (THE NIGHTINGALE, SWEET COUNTRY, TOP END WEDDING, HOTEL MUMBAI, ALI’S WEDDING)
  • Jeff Harrison, Managing Director/Executive Producer Umbrella Entertainment (THE BABADOOK, CARGO, THE MERGER, BUOYANCY)

AACTA encourages all with an original idea to enter, particularly from creators and teams from regional, diverse and under-represented backgrounds. Entry is $60 for applicants in metropolitan areas and $40 for applicants in regional areas (as defined on the AACTA Pitch Entry page ).

Entries closed

Screenworks thanks the generous support of its partners and sponsors for 2020 Business of Producing:

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