Canberra’s local film makers can now apply for production funding from the $1.8 million ACT Screen Investment Fund.

Now in its second year, the Screen Investment Fund supports the growth and sustainability of the ACT screen industry.

Funds are used to co-invest in high-potential film, television and digital media projects that will be undertaken in the ACT.

The ACT Screen Investment Fund aims to:

• increase the number of ACT screen productions by attracting other investment into the sector,
• strengthen the ACT’s credentials as an attractive location to invest in screen productions, and
• develop the skills of local industry practitioners by creating new jobs in the sector around the region.

Applications are decided by the Screen Investment Fund Committee made up of four screen industry experts namely: Andrew Pike, David Noakes, Susan MacKinnon, Julia de Roeper, and a government representative.

The Digger,a military history documentary about a great Australian legend by local film production company Bearcage, has already been provided with $75,000 through the fund. This documentary was released on FOXTEL’s History Channel on ANZAC day this year.

I encourage all local film makers to apply for funding from the Screen Investment Fund.

Applications for the current round close 5pm on Friday 2 September 2011. For more information visit www.business.act.gov.au.