ABC TV & Screen Australia invest in new comedy talent

ABC TV and Screen Australia will commission 25 projects for Fresh Blood, an initiative to find the next generation of comedy performers and producers.

The selected 25 projects will receive a budget of AUS$10,000 to produce three 2 to 5 minute short-form comedy sketches that will premiere on ABC iview this year.

“Fresh Blood is one of the most exciting projects for us,” said Richard Finlayson, ABC’s director of television. “Not only does it continue ABC TV’s commitment to nurturing and supporting fantastic Australian comedic talent, it gives 25 aspiring comedians and comedy groups the amazing opportunity to see their ideas turned into content that will premiere on iview later this year”.

“There’s a rich pool of Australian comic talent working outside the system making quality content for digital distribution,” added Graeme Mason, the CEO of Screen Australia. “Fresh Blood is a dynamic addition to Screen Australia’s suite of support for practitioners using newer technologies and platforms to reach their audience.”

ABC TV and Screen Australia have received an overwhelming 492 applications, since the call-out for “Fresh Blood” went out last October. Due to the high calibre of creative entries, 25 projects are to be commissioned, one more than the 24 projects originally sought.

Fresh Blood will be produced by ABC Entertainment TV and is the first digital commission for iview. It positions the catch up service as a creative platform for innovative content.