Fresh Blood Call Out

ABC TV and Screen Australia today announced -Fresh Blood', a call out for the next generation of Australian comedy talent.

The -Fresh Blood' initiative focuses on short form comedy creators. Over twenty commissions are on offer with budgets of $10,000 for each successful applicant.

The content will premiere on iview, ABC's online catch-up platform. With a record 18 million program plays in August, it is Australia's most popular catch-up service and an ideal fit for -social sharing' short form sketches.

Jennifer Collins Head of ABC TV Entertainment says -Fresh Blood' opens the door to the next generation of comedy producers and performers. ABC is well known as a nurturing ground for emerging talent and we are now continuing that tradition online".

Arul Baskaran ABC's Multi Platform Controller says "We're thrilled to announce Fresh Blood on ABC iview as our first digital commission. This is an exciting step forward, and positions iview as a creative platform for innovative content – in this case the best new comedy talent in Australia".

Some of the most promising creators will be offered an internship in ABC TV's Entertainment department and Screen Australia will also be running workshops for some of the successful candidates.

Screen Australia's Chief Operating Officer Fiona Cameron says, 'The online world is home to some great comedic talent. By partnering with the ABC in this forward thinking initiative we will expose emerging Australian sketch comedy to bigger audiences".