Indigenous Department ABC Television
ABC Indigenous aims to initiate, develop and commission original Indigenous Content for delivery across ABC TV’s channels and platforms. To engage and entertain a broad audience with compelling stories from Indigenous filmmakers.
What are we commissioning?
- Landmark drama series, i.e. Redfern Now and Gods of Wheat Street.
- Narrative Comedy that deals with the Indigenous experience, i.e. 8MMM Aboriginal Radio.
- Sketch Comedy series i.e. Black Comedy
- Factual series that reveal unique stories and worlds we haven’t seen before, characters that we don’t see on TV every day. They can be issue based, political, historical, or presenter led, but must be contemporary in feel and tone.
- One-off documentaries that are big untold stories of personalities or movements – think NDP style projects.
- Short form series for ONLINE, i.e. 6 x 5 minute episodes. Comedy works best, or factual that has a sharp wit and unique POV, or presenter led. Looking for ‘talent’ driven shows.
What works?
Programs that are bold, provocative and original; that push people’s buttons. They should create conversations and make you think, laugh or cry. Or all of the above.
How to pitch to the Indigenous Department
ABC Television primarily commission concepts from independent production companies. In the first instance, a fully fleshed out proposal is not necessary, but initial submissions should aim to articulate a clear and well substantiated rationale for the project.
All proposals should be emailed to the ABC Indigenous Content and Commissioning Coordinator, stevens.nicole@abc.net.au
Documentary / Factual
Please submit a one line, one paragraph and a short 1 – 2 page synopsis that clearly describes the rationale and how it would work as a program.
If you are a new filmmaker without a lot of broadcast experience, we’d still love to hear from you.
Comedy and Drama
Pitch document or outline of no more than 5 pages that clearly and succinctly describes the tone, story arc, characters and the world of the show. If known, a schedule and finance plan.
Include CV’s of key creatives and production company within the 5 pages.
Eligibility
Projects submitted to the Indigenous Department must have at a minimum an Indigenous writer and director.
ABC Television overarching commissioning filter
- Stories that demand to be watched
- Stories that start strong and stay strong
- Stories that appeal to a broad audience
- Longer running, returning stories
- Stories only the ABC can tell
Development
- ABC TV can offer financial assistance in the development of a proposal
- This is often a co-investment with a funding body
- These funds are recouped from the production budget if commissioned
For more information please contact ABC Indigenous Content and Commissioning Coordinator, Nicole Stevens: stevens.nicole@abc.net.au
