Screen Australia amplifies 46 distinctive local stories with funding for new dramas – Screen Australia has announced $12.8 million in funding across 46 narrative projects, celebrating distinctive perspectives with local and global appeal. From bold stories to major co-productions, the titles showcase the originality and ingenuity of Australia’s creative talent, produced for a range of audiences.
Among the projects supported is director Rob Connolly’s Shiver, the first Australian narrative feature film to shoot in Antarctica; a laugh out loud comedy for ABC starring Anne Edmonds and Kitty Flannagan; Australian and Canadian co-production Written in the Stars; a satirical web series centred on beloved television personality Tony Armstrong; and crime mystery series The Killings: Parrish Station for Stan.
Director of Narrative Content at Screen Australia Louise Gough said,
“We know Australian stories are in demand across the world and in our own backyard, and Screen Australia is uniquely positioned to support the tapestry of voices that celebrate and speak to our multi-faceted, diverse community. Local stories are resonant because they are beautifully particular yet underpinned by universal themes that all viewers can relate to.”
“Our creative industry is respected internationally for their craft and commitment to bold, ambitious projects. This investment is a testament to the tenacity of our emerging and established creatives, including the collaborative spirit that connects Australian stories with global audiences.”
Director of Shiver Robert Connolly on an initial shoot in Antarctica.
Some of the supported projects include:
- Shiver: From director Robert Connolly (The Dry, Blueback), Shiver will be the first Australian narrative feature to be filmed in Antarctica. Based on Nikki Gemmell’s acclaimed novel, this adaptation follows the profound transformation of a young journalist as she ventures into the vast, fragile wilderness of Antarctica. It will be produced by Liz Kearney (Memoir of a Snail) and Kate Laurie (Petrol) alongside Connolly. It has received major production investment from Screen Australia in association with VicScreen, with support from Minderoo Pictures. International sales by HanWay.
- Bad Company: A six-part comedy series from Guesswork Television created by AACTA award-winning comedian Anne Edmonds, who stars alongside Kitty Flannagan of the local and international hit Fisk. Set within the crumbling walls of an iconic theatre company on the brink of bankruptcy, Bad Company is directed by Tom Peterson (Fisk), produced by Andrew Walker (Deadloch), with executive producers Kevin Whyte (Rosehaven), Edmonds and Ben Grogan (Upper Middle Bogan). It has received major production investment from the ABC and Screen Australia and is financed in association with VicScreen. International sales by Guesswork Distribution.
- Written in the Stars: An Australian and Canadian feature based on Su Dharmapala’s novel The Wedding Season, adapted for screen by Menik Gooneratne. A celebration of the Sri-Lankan community in modern-day Melbourne, this heartwarming rom-com explores universal themes of love and destiny. It will feature an all-South Asian cast led by Australian actor, writer and producer Gooneratne. Written in the Stars is directed by Fawzia Mirza (Queen of My Dreams) and produced by Leanne Tonkes (The Second), Andria Wilson Mirza (Queen of My Dreams), Melissa Russo (Together), Jenni Tosi (Holly’s Heroes), Marc Tetreault (Sullivan’s Crossing), and Jason Levangie (Sullivan’s Crossing). It has received major production investment from Screen Australia in association with the Telefilm Canada Production Program and VicScreen. Local distribution by Maslow Entertainment.
- The Killings: Parrish Station: A six-part series from Helium Pictures for Stan directed by Daniel Nettheim (The Tourist, The Assassin), created and written by Ben Jenkins (The Chaser, The Checkout), Tim Pye (Bali 2002), Yolanda Ramke (Cargo) and Catherine Smyth-McMullen (The Other Lamb). A cosmic mystery intertwines with horror as a gruesome massacre at a remote research station plunges a detective into an inexplicable, decades-long mystery. The series is produced by Kerrie Mainwaring (Bali 2002) and executive produced by Helium’s Mark Fennessy. It has received major investment from Screen Australia and Screen NSW in association with ITV Studios and will be distributed internationally by ITV Studios.
- 2 Moons: From director Fadia Abboud (House of Gods) and in partnership with Powerhouse Parramatta comes a science fiction drama set in Western Sydney exploring the lives of five ordinary people as they grapple with a potential apocalypse. Produced by Annabel Davis (Here Out West) and Kali Reid from Co-Curious and executive produced by Sheila Jayadev. 2 Moons is a multi-writer feature with an interwoven plot from five writers including James Elazzi, Gabriel Faatau’uu-Satiu, Andrew Undi Lee, Randa Sayed and Danielle Stamoulos. It has received major production investment from Screen Australia.
- Shilling It: A six-part satirical webseries in development from creators Henry Stone and Tony Armstrong, centred on a fictionalised version of Armstrong, as an Australian television personality caught in the ethical tug-of-war of lending his name to dodgy social media content brand deals. Across six 10-minute episodes, Tony navigates fame and influence while attempting to maintain personal integrity. Shilling It will be co-written and produced by Tony Armstrong and Henry Stone, with Stone directing.
- Martini Mama: A comedic feature about confronting the past, regrets and navigating change from director John Sheedy (Runt). Written by Christopher Gist (The Op Shop), Martini Mama is produced by Julie Ryan (H is for Happiness), Ari Harrison (Penny Lane is Dead) and Kate Whitbread (The Spirit of the Game). It has received production investment from Screen Australia in association with Fandomodo and VicScreen, with support from Sanctuary Pictures, KW Films and Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund. Local distribution by Umbrella Entertainment and international sales by Upgrade.
- Florence: A six-part premium drama series in development from Hoodlum Entertainment based on the true story of the iconic and enigmatic designer Florence Broadhurst. From co-creators Emma Freeman and Michael Lucas, the story unpacks the life of a woman who irrevocably changed the style of Australia. Kerrin McNeil and Tracey Robertson are producing, with executive producers Bazmark, Tracey Vieira, Nathan Mayfield, Sarah Mak and David Lloyd-Lewis.
- Bloom: A five-part webseries written and directed by Stephen de Villiers (The Run) and Alice Yang that follows 16-year-old Jasmine who receives a cancer diagnosis and the emotional and physical toll this has on her and the people who love her. Released on YouTube and other platforms, Bloom is produced by Chloe Gardner (The Run), Robbie Greenwell and Maisie Fabry.
Two new Screen Australia funded original children’s series were recently announced for the ABC, Happy House and Caper Crew, which will screen in 2026.
On 1 July, Screen Australia launched its updated Narrative Content programs and guidelines tailored to meet industry needs, support practitioners and foster ground-breaking content for years to come.
The full list of blocklines is available here:
- Feature Film Production
- Television Production
- Online Production
- Feature Film Development
- Television Development
- Online Development
Media Release – Screen Australia
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Screen Australia amplifies 46 distinctive local stories with funding for new dramas
