ABOUT SDA

In mid-1999, the national network of screen resource organisations set up a new association, Screen Development Australia (SDA), to provide a formal model for the continued development, delivery and promotion of Australia-wide initiatives underpinned by best practice.

SDA member organisations play a key role in providing entry-level to early-career film and digital media makers across Australia with affordable access to production equipment and advice, subsidy programs, professional development and accredited training, exhibition programming and a range of special projects. Perhaps most importantly, SDA ensures that a ‘many doors’ approach is maintained in relation to the development of industry practitioners.

AIMS

SDA aims to:

• Develop a greater number of highly skilled film, video and new media makers
• Actively engage with the production, economic and aesthetic issues facing the industry
• Develop complementary & diverse pathways into the industry
• Increase audiences for Australian films and new media works
• Ensure equity in access and delivery of programs

Over the past year, SDA has entered into a number of industry partnerships in order to capitalise on the production resources available in its member organisations, to share the financial responsibility for program delivery within an environment of tight constraints, and to deliver outcomes both nationally and at a state level.

Perhaps the most high profile partnership established to date has been the sponsorship of state-of-the-art digital production kits under the auspices of the National Digital Access Initiative. The kits, made possible as a result of generous contributions from Apple Computers Australia, Canon, Sennheiser, La Cie and the Federal Government will be placed in each of the five SDA organisations, which will now be in a position to provide emerging practitioners Australia-wide with the opportunity to access leading edge production technologies. Specifically, emerging filmmakers will now be in a position to develop skills in the use of digital cameras, sound recording equipment, and the software and hardware necessary to output to digital, DVD and online environments.

Other partnerships undertaken include a Marketing Seminar series delivered in association with the Australian Film Commission and a national talent-scouting project, Raw Nerve, which is scheduled for delivery by 30 June 2002.