Victorian factual content creators will receive new documentary development funding with the launch of Amplify Victoria, a project from Film Victoria and Audible which is the world’s leading provider of audiobooks and entertainment.
The initiative aims to encourage creators to develop interesting true stories into podcasts to be shared on Audible, with the possibility of a screen adaptation.
Amplify Victoria welcomes creators with no prior podcasting or screen experience.
They hope that the program will draw in people with a passion and talent for high-quality, compelling story-telling skills.
Caroline Pitcher, Film Victoria CEO believes many successful documentaries were created by Victorians, which she hopes to see happen in this partnership.
“Many of Australia’s most powerful documentaries for screen over the past year started as ideas in the minds of Victoria’s best factual storytellers,” she said.
“We can’t wait to see what our producers and writers – both experienced creators and new voices – unearth when they focus on the sense of sound to tell a great story.”
Film Victoria and Audible have developed a creative brief that calls for strong, challenging and relatable ideas that spark conversation and study topics from different perspectives. The stories should be well-developed and span over a few episodes.
Danny Pearson, Minister for Creative Industries believes the project will provide a direct connection between local storytellers and audiences.
“As the global appetite for quality podcasts continues to grow, Amplify Victoria is an opportunity for our state’s talented storytellers to reach audiences around the world,” he said.
Film Victoria has seen an increase in the crossover between podcasts and on-screen content. Many factual creatives are embracing the audio format as audiences are turning to podcasts to stay informed and entertained.
Karen Appathurai Wiggins, Head of Content, APAC at Audible explained that Australians have a keen interest in locally produced audio that captures their unique stories, something both companies will be supporting.
“Alongside Film Victoria, we’re pleased to be backing Victorian creatives at this time to provide opportunities to find new audiences through the podcast format,” she said.
Up to six teams will be selected to receive funding to support their project, which comes from a total pool of $60,000.
Applications for Amplify Victoria are now open and close at 11pm on 29 October, any successful applicants will be notified by the end of 2020.
Story by: Aisling O’Mahony and Peter White.
Photo: Selective focus photo of turned-on black video camera by Kushagra Kevat available HERE and used under a Creative Commons Attribution. The image has not been modified.
