Screen Australia and the ACTF to develop a kids IP incubator initiative

Screen Australia and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF) have announced a new initiative for children’s content makers to develop Australian IP for digital platforms. This initiative will empower emerging and established children’s content creators with information and strategies to deliver distinctive Australian content for the platforms that children are engaging with including YouTube, Roblox and FAST.

These platforms have different business models and require unique strategies to engage with audiences. This program will give practitioners the opportunity to explore and experiment with the creative tools and optimized formats that work on these platforms.

CEO of Screen Australia Deirdre Brennan said: “Australia has a proud history of creating memorable children’s content that resonates globally. As the screen landscape evolves, we need to support our creators to seize new opportunities, contributing to a sustainable ecosystem for the production of children's content into the future. We are excited to work with our partners ACTF to drive culturally relevant and appropriate content for today’s children.”

CEO of ACTF Jenny Buckland added: “We ignore the digital platforms that children are gravitating towards at our peril, but success in these spaces requires a different mindset. What I love about this partnership with Screen Australia is that we’re encouraging the teams involved to experiment in a collaborative environment where we all learn and lift each other up. As well as supporting innovative new content from new and experienced players, I think the initiative will influence us and the way that we support content in the future, too.”

The Kids IP Incubator project was announced at the Australian Children’s Content Summit being held in Coffs Harbour this week. Applications will open on September 19.

Screen Australia and ACTF will support up to eight teams with innovative ideas for new IP on digital platforms aimed at engaging children. This initiative will demystify technology, offering education and access to shape a different approach to content development. It will provide teams with the opportunity to learn, research, discuss and explore the IP and formats that work online in a collaborative environment. The initiative will include a bespoke program of webinars and masterclasses with key international content strategists, analysts and marketplace experts, collaborative workshops as well as individualized one-on-one mentorships.

The initiative is structured into three distinct phases, each designed to guide and support participants in creating compelling children's content for online platforms.

The initiative will kick off with an information webinar, open to anyone interested in the program. Hosted by Screen Australia and the ACTF, this session aims to provide an introduction to the program, offering insights into current trends, opportunities, and optimization strategies in children’s content online. Additionally, participants will receive practical advice on crafting a strong pitch, which is essential for those looking to advance to the next stage of the program. The webinar is scheduled for September 26, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM AEST. Attendees can register in advance, and an Auslan interpreter will be available upon request to ensure accessibility. A recording of the webinar will be made available on the Screen Australia website shortly after the event.

In phase two, following the webinar, up to eight teams will be selected to participate in a comprehensive three-month program. This phase begins with a three-day in-person workshop at the ACTF offices in Melbourne in March 2025. During this time, each team will receive a grant of up to $20,000 to aid in the development of their projects. After the initial workshop, participants will engage in a series of online masterclasses led by industry experts, providing further learning and refinement opportunities. The phase will conclude with a second in-person workshop, where teams will fine-tune their pitches and have the chance to apply for additional development funding.

Finally, upon completion of the program, creative teams will have the opportunity to apply for further development or production funding to continue advancing the projects they have developed. Detailed information regarding the application process, eligibility criteria, and specifics of the funding will be made available when the program guidelines are published on September 19.