Film Victoria & SBS Select Four Pitch to Pilot Projects

Film Victoria and SBS in Australia have selected four drama series to be developed through the Pitch to Pilot initiative, which aims to bring compelling stories from diverse voices to the screen.

The stories and creative teams behind each of the successful projects are female-led, including West Gate, an adaptation of Enza Gandolfo’s novel The Bridge. Producer Paula Salini (Wentworth) teamed up with Virginia Whitwell and Nick Batzias at Good Thing Productions for the series, written by Nicky Arnall (Playing for Keeps) and with Beck Cole (Mustangs FC) on board to direct.

Writer/director Fatima Mawas and writer Angela Dix joined forces for The Backroom. Producer Amanda Higgs and Matchbox Pictures partnered with writer Pip Karmel (Total Control) and director Corrie Chen (Five Bedrooms) on Bad Behaviour, based on Rebecca Starford’s memoir of the same name. Writer/director Miranda Nation (Undertow) is working alongside Porchlight Films’ producer Liz Watts (Stateless) on Aleph, an original sci-fi drama series.

The teams will each receive $20,000 for further development before they pitch the projects to SBS, with the successful team to receive an additional $20,000 to write a pilot script.

Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley said: “It’s an important time to be investing in the development of new local content. We’re proud to be part of Pitch to Pilot, which is giving talented Victorian screen creatives the opportunity to develop their voice and share diverse perspectives.”

Marshall Heald, director of TV and Online Content at SBS, added: “SBS is committed to providing opportunities for emerging professionals from diverse backgrounds to bring their distinctive stories to our screens. We were hugely impressed with the applications received for this joint development initiative with Film Victoria, and are excited to be moving forward with four incredible Australian stories, and look forward to seeing the result of their work over the coming months.”