The Territory Labor Government is growing the local film industry, with funding announced for the 2023 SPARK short film initiative.
Applications for aspiring Territory filmmakers to produce a ten-minute short film around the theme of “Friendship” open tomorrow.
SPARK is open to all emerging filmmakers in the Northern Territory who have a compelling story to tell and are looking for support to produce their short film.
Three successful SPARK recipients will receive $30,000 in production funding and the opportunity to work with an experienced Screen Industry story development mentor and an Executive Producer to guide and support the recipients throughout the production process.
Their finished product will be screened to audiences attending the Darwin International Film Festival in September.
This year’s SPARK is set to be bigger and better than ever before, with industry experts on-board to assist the SPARK recipients create their productions.
World-leading camera specialist Panavision are providing $10,000 in equipment rental for principal filming for each film.
Trackdown Studios are providing access to a sound engineer, while the Post Lounge will be providing a colour grade for each film.
While renowned Northern Territory post-production studio and rental hire company Global Headquarters will provide access to their studio for each film’s online edit and colour grading session.
Applications for the SPARK 2023 Short Film Initiative open 27 March and close 17 April 2023.
For more information and to apply, visit the funding page
Quotes from Minister for Industry Nicole Manison
“I am thrilled to announce the SPARK 2023 Short Film Initiative, one of the most exciting opportunities for emerging Territory filmmakers.
SPARK 2023 is a fantastic opportunity for emerging filmmakers to showcase their talents and forge a career in the Australian screen industry.
We are committed to growing the Northern Territory screen sector and believe by providing our emerging filmmakers with the resources and support they need to build best practice and create premium quality screen stories, we can help build a vibrant and sustainable Territory screen industry.”
Quote from Nicolas Godoy, National Sales and Marketing Manager for Panavision Australia
“We are excited to sponsor the Spark Short Film Initiative. It is an honour to provide filmmakers with the tools and support to bring their vision to life. Panavision and Screen Territory share the commitment in supporting and empowering NT filmmakers in their careers and professional development.”
Quote from Bronwyn Ketels, General Manager & Head of Post Production for The Post Lounge
“The Post Lounge is very excited to be a part of the Spark Short Film Program - we love working in the NT and are looking forward to helping the chosen filmmakers in their quest to create beautiful shorts for an international audience to "spark" new career opportunities and show the world the quality of films from the Northern Territory”.