SBS seeks bold new documentaries with Australia Uncovered call out
SBS is inviting submissions for bold and compelling Australian stories for its landmark and award-winning single documentary strand, Australian Uncovered, for broadcast in 2025.
The invitation for proposals follows the success of the first two seasons of Australia Uncovered broadcast in 2021 and 2022 –with a third season coming in 2024 –which have showcased the best of contemporary Australian storytelling with documentaries that have revealed surprising stories, tackled some of the nation’s most challenging topics and critical issues, and received audience and critical acclaim.
Bernadine Lim, Senior Commissioning Editor at SBS, said: “We want Australian documentary makers to come to us with surprising stories that have scale, cut-through and relevance;and most importantly, share a compelling story that speaks authentically to all Australian audiences.
“Australia Uncovered continues to be a key part of our commissioned documentary slate at SBS, and we want to continue to build on the network’s leadership in high calibre documentaries that open minds, challenge misconceptions, entertain and connect with all Australians. Whether you have a fresh new concept or a cutting-edge project underway, we’d be excited to hear your proposal.”
Successful projects will continue to build on the outstanding stories that have featured in Australia Uncovered to date, including the confronting exploration of gender politics during the term of Australia’s only female Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, in Strong Female Lead; comedian Celia Pacquola’s story of battling anxiety in The Truth About Anxiety; the story of one of Australia’s most prominent unsolved serial murder cases and the desperate search for justice in The Bowraville Murders ,and a fly-on-the-wall insight into the world of trauma cleaning in The Cleaning Company.
From submissions received, SBS will shortlist proposals seeking development and production funding,selecting up to four single documentaries ranging from one hour to feature-length to form the 2025 season of Australia Uncovered.
Submissions are open until end of October 2023.
Applications for Development Funding
Applicants are required to submit their proposals with ‘Australia Uncovered Submission’ in the subject line to [email protected].
Submissions are open until end of October 2023.
Proposals must include the following:
- 2-4 page proposal for an original one-hour or feature length documentaries. This should include a log line, and 1 para synopsis.
- 2–4minute teaser, reel or proof of concept reel.
SBS will be in touch directly with successful applicants.
All proposals must explore and reflect the SBS Charter.
Further information is available at sbs.com.au/commissionedcontent.
All previous Australia Uncovered documentaries are available on SBS On Demand.
For a pdf of this media release, click here.