Screen Australia has revealed the eight recipients of its latest round of production funding.
The $5.5 million has been split between two feature films, two children’s series and four online projects.
The films receiving funding from Screen Australia have the working titles of “200% Wolf” and “Runaway”.
“200% Wolf” is a sequel to the 2020 animated family feature “100% Wolf” from Flying Bark Productions, which followed the ABC series of the same name.
“Runaway”, meanwhile, is the second feature film from writer and director Mirrah Foulkes. She will team up for See-Saw Films for the production. The psychological thriller is based on the Nobel Prize-winning author Alice Munro’s short story of the same name and explores themes of control, innocence and salvation.
The two children’s television projects to receive funding are ongoing series.
“Little J and Big Cuz” will get a fourth season for NITV and the ABC.
The animated series tracks lively First Nations kids who live with their nanna and old dog. It’s a story about culture, community and country which also benefits from funding from the ABC, NITV, the Australian Children’s Television Foundation, Vic Screen, Screen Tasmania and ACER.
ABC’s “The PM’s Daughter” will also be back for Season 2.
The 10-part drama series follows character Cat who has found her groove as the Prime Minister’s daughter, but it’s not long before her school and home life are disrupted.
Online, 12-part comedy TikTok series “Cool Mum” has also received funding.
It follows non-binary teen Pat who comes out to their mother, Roz. The series is co-written and co-directed by Jakob Grasa and Naoimh Healy and is produced by Stephanie Cole.
“It’s a Jungle Out Here” is a seven-part hybrid scripted documentary series from Wild Bear Entertainment for ABC iView and the ABC Me YouTube channel.
The series follows aspiring filmmakers Su and Pharrell behind the scenes of their fictional documentary series “Australian Wild” as they try to find the best wildlife footage.
Next up, “No Ordinary Love” (pictured above) is a five-part YouTube series, which is a love letter to K-dramas.
It explores the story of heartbroken ex-lovers as they are forced to work together to track down a bride who disappears before her wedding.
Finally, “Salma’s Season” is a six-part YouTube from Blacksand Pictures.
It is written, directed and produced by Kauthar Abdulalim and follows the fictional Salma, a 45-year-old Pakistani-Australian mum, who decides she wants to play at the Australian Open, despite having never picked up a racket in her life.
Grainne Brunsdon, head of content for Screen Australia, was full of praise for the upcoming projects.
“We’re delighted to announce these projects including some stellar children’s content, which demonstrates the ability of Australian creators to produce high calibre, original IP that connects with young viewers. It’s very special that “Little J and Big Cuz” is engaging children around the country in-language and we are proud to support another series of this ground-breaking production,” Brunsdon said.
“The team behind riveting feature thrilled “Runaway” have an exceptional track record, and we are pleased to support Mirrah Foulkes on her second film. It’s also encouraging to see new, smart online storytellers finding their niche. These creators know their audiences and how to reach them on the right platforms, and we are confident these series will captivate viewers.”