Screen Australia and ABC TV Documentaries have launched a $400,000 initiative that aims to give emerging filmmakers a chance to create their own film.

Opening Shot, a new series set to appear on ABC2, is asking for proposals from documentary makers nationwide, which offer an insightful and entertaining look at contemporary Australian life.

ABC TV will commission up to six half-hour films for the prime time series aimed at viewers aged 25-39.

Alan Erson, ABC TV’s Head of Documentaries, said Opening Shot is a great opportunity for new documentary makers to ‘curate a cohesive body of work’ and ‘set the creative agenda’.

Screen Australia’s Documentary Manager Liz Stevens said her agency has ‘a strong focus on bringing through the next generation of creative storytellers’. She said she is thrilled to provide young Australians with the chance to voice their own stories.

Applicants must be aged 35 years and under and can apply for up to $80,000 to fund a one-off documentary. For more information about eligibility requirements, assessment criteria and how to apply, click here.

Applications close at 5 pm on Friday 1 July, and you can download an application form here.