Screen Australia's First Nations Department is inviting mid-career First Nations producers to apply for 'Proper Loved Up', a romantic comedy short film initiative.

Applicants must apply with an emerging writer and director team.

The program, in collaboration with various state and territory screen agencies, will support up to eight First Nations teams, focusing on storytelling and business skill development for local and international markets.

Māori and Malyangapa woman and Head of First Nations at Screen Australia, Angela Bates, looks forward to the program expanding on the legacy of her predecessors.

"This program expands on the legacy of my predecessors and their work in creating the Indigenous Producers program," she said.

"It is designed to empower First Nations producers by providing them with a practical and holistic experience of producing a short film, in addition to offering individual seed funding to expand their project slate for local and international markets."

"It's bold and ambitious, and we are thrilled to partner with the ABC, NITV and the state and territory agencies to bring this to life."

Ms Bates noted we need to "nurture and develop" more First Nations producers.

"This is vitally important for cultural safety and the creation of Intellectual Property in the evolving screen landscape," she said.

"Our writers and directors are in high demand with Indigenous content proving not just its cultural value but commercial value."

"Developing our talent pool of experienced producers will enhance our storytelling and broaden the reach of our creative voices."

The initiative is delivered in two stages.

Stage one provides up to $5,000 in development funding per project and includes an intensive training program with three in-person workshops and four online masterclasses.

Participants will deliver a third draft script after these workshops and may then apply for up to $80,000 in production funding to produce their short film.

Films will be subject to a 12-month festival holdback before broadcasting.

A First Nations Series Producer, supported by NITV and ABC, will guide teams through development and production.

Stage two focuses on slate development for both local and international markets.

Participants who complete stage one can apply for up to $15,000 in seed funding from Screen Australia and state agencies to develop a slate of projects.

Additional opportunities include First Nations Travel Grants to attend markets such as the Cannes Film Festival or Screen Forever.

Head of Indigenous Commissioning and Production at NITV, Dena Curtis, said the broadcaster is proud to support the Proper Loved Up initiative, a new look short film program that provides a holistic approach to developing Indigenous producers, writers, and directors.

An information webinar hosted by Angela Bates will take place on 18 December 2024.

Applications close on 14 February 2025. More details on eligibility and application can be found on the Screen Australia website.