The Every Voice initiative is once again on the hunt for creatives with diverse and distinct voices, with offers of up to $75,000 per project.
The money will go towards developing episodic scripted or factual content exclusively for TikTok. Projects must consist of episodic content designed to be told in six to 15 episodes of no more than one minute each, aimed at audiences between 16 and 35.
Applicants must submit a one-minute pitch video and post their video on their public TikTok account between June 27 and July 21 with the hashtag #everyvoice, as well as filling out an online entry form.
Teams must consist of between two to five members, with the roles of writer, director and producer filled.
Up to 10 successful projects are set to receive funding across Australia and New Zealand thanks to Screen Australia, NZ On Air and TikTok.
The initiative endeavours to reward creators from under-represented backgrounds including First Nations, Māori, Pacific Peoples, Pan-Asian, LGBTQIA+, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD), female or trans/gender diverse, people with disability and creators based in regional and remote areas.
Last year, projects received up to$50,000 in funding to cover development and production costs for their project. This included “TransAthletica” (pictured above), a 15-part documentary series which explores the barriers trans athletes face in sports.
Lee Naimo, head of online for Screen Australia, said: “In the last 12 months since the Every Voice initiative was launched, TikTok has become the destination for a whole new generation of short-form content creators looking for new ways to tell their authentic stories. In partnership with NZ On Air and TikTok we are ecstatic to be once again be supporting Australian and New Zealand creators to share their content with the vast, highly-engaged global community on TikTok.”
Amie Mills, head of funding for NZ On Air, added: “Funding high-quality local content that appeals to and connects with audiences where they are is a core focus for NZ On Air.
“We’re thrilled that our ongoing partnership with Screen Australia and TikTok will ensure that New Zealand and Australian audiences continue to see their unique experiences reflected on a global stage, and that emerging creatives will have the opportunity to hone their storytelling skills in a dynamic and highly receptive environment.”
Felicity McVay, director of content partnerships and community at TikTok Australia and New Zealand, said investing in helping creators find new audiences was a key priority for the platform.
“We’re excited to be taking part in this initiative for another year with Screen Australia and NZ On Air for Every Voice. We’re passionate about providing a platform for emerging and diverse voices who can express themselves authentically and give fresh perspectives on the cultural diversity of Australia and New Zealand and the world beyond,” she said.
Applications close at 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 21. Eligibility criteria is available here and creators can apply here.
@transathletica.series HERE IT IS! Episode 1. New eps dropping Mondays, Wednesdays Thursdays. 🏳️⚧️🥇#trans #pridemonth #badminton #transgender #sportok @screenaustralia @tiktok_australia