ABC First Look – Early Development Grant Information Webinar
Description
Join the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) and the ABC for this free information webinar introducing the ABC First Look – Early Development Grant, designed to support South Australian creatives at the earliest stages of project development through the ABC SAFC Content Pipeline Fund.
This session will provide an overview of the funding objectives, eligibility requirements, application process, and the types of projects the initiative is seeking to support.
Attendees will hear directly from ABC representatives, gain valuable insights into what makes a strong application and have the opportunity to ask questions about the program.
Whether you're developing a documentary, drama, factual, children's live action or animation, this webinar is an opportunity to learn how the initiative can help advance your idea towards the next stage of development with guidance directly from the ABC.
Speakers include:
Rachel Okine – ABC Head of Scripted
Susie Jones – ABC Head of Documentary and Specialist
Melinda Wearne – ABC Head of Children's and Family
Moderated by:
Jessica Giacco – SAFC Talent Development Manager
and joined by
Brian Scarce – SAFC First Nations Programs Lead
Please register to receive the Teams link for the workshop.
About the speakers
Rachel Okine – ABC Head of Scripted
As Head of Scripted at the ABC, Rachel Okine oversees the Australian national broadcaster’s scripted Drama and Comedy slates. After starting her career over 20 years ago in acquisitions at FilmFour, Rachel Okine was the first employee of Hopscotch, later becoming the Acquisitions Executive for eOne ANZ and Head of Development for Hopscotch Features. Rachel moved back to Europe in 2015 to become Paris-based VP of International Production and Acquisitions for Studiocanal and was subsequently appointed VP of International Acquisitions for STX. Returning to Australia in 2020, Rachel was appointed Managing Director of Academy Award-nominated production company Aquarius Films to strategically lead its film and TV operations. Rachel joined Australian streaming service Stan in 2021 as Senior Commissioning Editor, overseeing a slate of scripted drama and comedy, feature films and feature documentaries.
Susie Jones – ABC Head of Documentary and Specialist
Susie Jones is the Head of Documentary and Specialist at ABC, responsible for all internal and external Factual commissions, including documentaries, and series. Since joining the ABC in 2023 she has led the development, production and commissions of many high-quality, thought-provoking factual programmes including The Kimberley, The Assembly, I Was Actually There, Stuff the British Stole and Rolf Harris: Primetime Predator. She has also commissioned a number of feature documentaries that will broadcast on the ABC in 2026. Susie was named Screen Producers Australia (SPA) 2026 Commissioner of the Year. Prior to joining the ABC, she has worked for Netflix; SBS, Matchbox Pictures, BBC Comedy.
Melinda Wearne – ABC Head of Children's and Family
Melinda Wearne is Head of ABC Children and Family and joined the ABC from Beyond Entertainment, where she most recently served as Head of Scripted and led development across premium drama, children’s, and family content. Her credits include developing, producing and executive producing the hit drama series The Family Next Door. Across her career, she has also held senior creative and production roles including development executive on Troppo (ABC), producer on Motown Magic (Netflix) and Monster Beach (Cartoon Network), and associate producer on the Emmy Award–winning animated series Beat Bugs (Netflix). Melinda was also the creator and producer of Hoopla Doopla, a landmark co-production between ABC and CCTV China.
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