Cinespace Anthology Project
for ABC Fresh Start 2020

The “Anthology Project” was developed and run in 2020 for writers from under-represented (First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse) communities, and targeted initially at those writers who have come through Cinespace programs, a paid opportunity to write an original episode of a 6 x 5 minute original series for ABC TV. 

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The ABC and Cinespace recognise the importance of screen credits in addition to the building of skills and professional networks. The project was to develop a web anthology series that consisted of six (6) interwoven five (5) minute stories by emerging writers from First Nations and culturally-diverse backgrounds who are living in Victoria. 

About the Anthology. “Anthology Project” (Working Title)  

Central Theme. Urban Legends. Not the same as folklore or cultural mythologies, “urban legends, or myths” are contemporary stories circulated as true, especially as having happened to friends or family members, or why not, even made up. (Think, the opening fantastical stories recounted in Magnolia). The stories are usually humorous or outlandishly horrific. The stories are often a confirmation of moral standards or reflect a prejudice or social anxiety, which is where we think our writers will be able to most creatively respond to the concept. FYI, Wikipedia has an entire page devoted to films based on urban legends 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Films_based_on_urban_legends 

6 writers, 6 different stories: The brief was to write a short, five-minute script about an urban legend retold/reclaimed from THE WRITER'S perspective. That is the perspective of a First Nations or culturally and linguistically diverse (in the Australian context) character or group of characters.  

• Clear genre: action, musical/dance, comedy, horror, romance, sci-fi, murder, heist, mockumentary, all-of-the-above.  

• The stories need to be set in Melbourne, either in the city, suburbia, or outer suburbia.  

• We want stories that challenge traditional story and character tropes and reflect best practice as authentic storytelling.  

• Stories that would be economically feasible to produce on micro budgets

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Writers applied by submitting: 

• A one-sentence synopsis that summarises character and plot  

• A short paragraph on the urban legend you are basing your story on  

• A five minute script in industry format  (see example)

• Any one writer can apply with more than one idea, however, only one script will be chosen from a single writer 

We compiled an engaging, anthology of stories that is a mix of cultures, genres, and a dramatically exciting take on the urban legend theme. 

The final selection of 6 writers worked collaboratively with Showrunner Sabi Paisa from Cinespace to develop their individual scripts, and establish common elements. The collaboration consisted of three collective meetings and a script consultative process on at least one further draft of each writer's scripts.