FTO joins SBS in revealing SECRETS AND LIVES

SBS and the New South Wales Film & Television Office (FTO) have announced that they will partner to fund nine new factual programs from NSW producers.

The new joint initiative will  fund up to 9 x ½ hour programs to be broadcast during 2009 and 2010 as part of the SBS Secrets and Lives strand.

Secrets and Lives utilises humour and surprising, innovative approaches to factual story telling to deliver tough subjects, entertaining and engaging journeys, strong characters and, ideally, tackle the major social issues of our time.

The initiative allows for both development of new ideas and production of previously developed ideas.  

“Key partnerships such as this, which leverage greater opportunities for NSW companies, are a crucial part of the FTO’s strategic plan,” said Tania Chambers, FTO CEO.

“Factual production is a vital component of NSW’s production ecosystem and the FTO is delighted to be partnering with SBS to enable more programs to be made in NSW.”

Denise Eriksen, Manager Production and Development at SBS said: “SBS is delighted to be working in partnership with the FTO on our exciting new documentary strand Secrets and Lives.
 
“SBS is about providing great content for its audiences – while ensuring that Australia’s talented producers and directors in the independent sector keep working in difficult financial times.  Initiatives like this are extremely important to both the audience and the production community.”

SBS and the FTO will jointly decide on the final selections.  Opening date for submissions is Monday 15 June 2009.

Programs commissioned under the Secrets and Lives initiative must be episodic and be made up of 3 x 25 minute episodes.  One-off documentary films are NOT eligible for the Initiative. Only NSW Production Companies or teams are eligible.  Projects must be substantially produced or post produced in NSW and successful applicants will need to provide details of their NSW spend.

Once FTO’s approval is provided, SBS and the FTO will mutually agree on development or production (as applicable) deliverables and enter into agreements with the selected producer.