Australian Children's Television Foundation

Last updated

AbbreviationACTF
Formation1982;42 years ago (1982)
Legal statusAustralian non-profit public company limited by guarantee
PurposeSupport the development and production of, and distribute, high-quality Australian children’s screen content
Headquarters Fitzroy, Victoria
Location
Website www.actf.com.au

The Australian Children's Television Foundation (ACTF) is a national non-profit children's media production and policy hub. The ACTF helps develop children's television policy; distributes and pays for Australian children's television series; supports new children's media; and develops screen resources for the education sector. The ACTF provides funding and support to independent Australian producers and writers of children's programs.

Contents

History

The founding director of the Australian Children's Television Foundation, Patricia Edgar AM , was the driving force behind its establishment. As the chair of the Australian Broadcasting Tribunal's Children's Program Committee for five years, enforcing children's program standards and the children's drama quota Edgar argued that quality programs would not be made without a not-for-profit production company creating exemplary programs. Patricia Edgar's arguments caught the attention of the Victorian Minister for the Arts Norman Lacy, who invited her to work with him. They agreed to join forces to promote the proposal for the establishment of an organisation to achieve their shared objectives. Lacy then used his ministerial membership of the Australian Education Council and the Australian Arts Ministers' Conference to initiate [1] the establishment of the Australian Children's Television Foundation. [2] He appointed Edgar to the Arts Ministry staff to steer the project, provided office space and establishment funding, and won the support of NSW Education Minister Paul Landa with whom he co-chaired the early steering committee meetings. [3] [4] [5]

In early 1981, Lacy addressed the Senate Standing Committee on Education and the Arts arguing for the strategic and national importance of a Commonwealth commitment to recurrent funding for the fledgling Foundation. [6] The Senate Standing committee report Children and Television Revisited recommended the establishment of an independent children's television production unit, which was the impetus for the foundation of the ACTF, to be funded by the Australian Government with contributions from state and territory governments. [7]

Victorian Arts and Educational Services Minister Norman Lacy, with Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser as he launches the Australian Children's Television Foundation in the Treasury Gardens, Melbourne in February 1982. Norman Lacy with Malcolm Fraser ACTF launch.jpg
Victorian Arts and Educational Services Minister Norman Lacy, with Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser as he launches the Australian Children's Television Foundation in the Treasury Gardens, Melbourne in February 1982.

Lacy's political advocacy and practical support coupled with Edgar's intellectual capacity and lobbying skills eventually won through, but before the ACTF could be established Lacy lost his Parliamentary seat at the election held in 1982. [4] Patricia Edgar then turned her attention to funding support from the Commonwealth Government with the support of Dame Beryl Beaurepaire who was President of the Liberal Party. Ultimately, the ACTF was established with Commonwealth Government support collectively matched by all the state governments except Queensland with Edgar as the inaugural Director. [8] [4] She served in this role for 20 years, effectively kickstarting the Australian children's television production industry. Her programs include Winners, Kaboodle, Touch the Sun, Round the Twist, Lift Off, The Genie From Downunder, Sky Trackers, Crash Zone, L'il Elvis Jones and the Truckstoppers, Yolngu Boy, Noah and Saskia and the ground breaking Kahootz. [4] Her programs won more than 100 national and international awards including four AFI Awards, two Logies, an International Emmy Award, the Prix Jeunesse, a Japan Prize, a Banff Rockie Award, a Grand Jury Prize at the New York Festival. [4] Production value exceeded $100 million. [4]

After Edgar stepped down to produce Noah and Saskia for the ABC and the BBC, Jenny Buckland was appointed CEO in July 2002. [4]

Major productions that the ACTF was involved with between 2002 and 2008 included Holly's Heroes, Mortified , Double Trouble (with CAAMA) and two series of Lockie Leonard . Mortified won more national and international awards than any other children's program in FFC history.[ citation needed ]

All those series were commissioned by commercial broadcasters, as a result of the quotas.[ further explanation needed ] The ABC was only commissioning very small amounts of children's drama during those years and most of its shows, other than its in-house productions such as Play School and Behind The News , were imported.[ citation needed ]

In 2006 the ACTF publicly highlighted the opportunity afforded by the switch to digital television to provide a much better media service for Australian children, calling for the establishment of a dedicated digital public channel for children. Ultimately the ACTF joined forces with the ABC to champion this idea, which received support from the Howard government during the 2007 Australian election campaign.[ citation needed ]

The Rudd government gave the ABC funding which saw it establish its children's destinations on ABC2 (for pre-schoolers) and ABC3 (for school-aged children) in 2009.[ citation needed ]

ABC3 attracted new entrants and original programming ideas. New programs commissioned by the ABC and supported by the ACTF from 2009 include My Place 1 & 2, three series of Dance Academy, several series of Nowhere Boys , three series of Bushwhacked, and more.[ citation needed ]

The history of Australian children's television and the ACTF are inextricably linked, with the ACTF playing a pivotal role in supporting distinctively Australian programs, and advocating for the support mechanisms required to produce those programs.[ citation needed ]

ACTF Chairman and Board

The ACTF continues to receive funding from the Commonwealth and all States and Territories (Queensland is now included). Each State and Territory Government has the right to nominate a member of the board, and the Commonwealth Government may nominate three members.Those ACTF Board members may elect up to three independent board members. There is a long and distinguished list of people who have been on the board over its 35-year history, but the most extraordinary contribution of all is that of Janet Holmes à Court. Janet joined the board as a representative for Western Australia in 1983. She was elected chairman of the board in 1990 and has been re-elected every year since. She is now an independently elected member of the board.

The headquarters of the ACTF are on Smith Street in the Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy.

Awards

YEARPRODUCTIONPRODUCTION COMPANYAWARDLOCATIONCATEGORY
2017Little Lunch: The SpecialsGristmillAACTA AwardsAustraliaBest Children's Television Series
2017Little J and Big CuzOld Dog Pictures / Ned Lander MediaATOM AwardsAustraliaBest Children's Television Program
2017BoxwarsBogan Entertainment SolutionsMIPCOM Junior International Pitching CompetitionFranceBest Pitch
2017Little Lunch (Special): The Nightmare Before GraduationGristmillJapan PrizeJapanPrimary Series: Primary (6–12)
2017Little Lunch (Special): The Halloween Horror StoryGristmillChicago International Children's Film FestivalUSAProfessional Jury: First Prize – Best Live Action Television Production
2017Little Lunch (Special): The Nightmare Before GraduationGristmillUS International Film and Video FestivalUSABest of Festival – Entertainment
2017Little Lunch (Special): The Nightmare Before GraduationGristmillUS International Film and Video FestivalUSAGold Camera – Children's Entertainment
2017Little Lunch (Special): The Nightmare Before GraduationWriter: Robyn ButlerADG AwardAustraliaEsben Storm: Best Direction in a Children's TV or SVOD Drama
2017Little Lunch (Special): The Nightmare Before GraduationGristmillTV Week LogieAustraliaMost Outstanding Children's Program
2017Little Lunch App: A Teacher's GuideACTF/Essential MediaKidscreen AwardUSABest eBook
2016Bushwhacked! – Series 3Mint PicturesChicago International Television AwardsUSASilver Plaque: Best Children's Series
2016Bushwhacked! – Series 3ACTFWorldfest Houston Remi AwardsUSAGold Remi – Children's Audience
2016Little LunchGristmillChicago International Children's Film FestivalUSAChildren's Jury Prize
2016Little LunchGristmillWorldfest Houston Remi AwardsUSASilver Remi – Children's Audience
2016Little LunchGristmillChicago International Television AwardsUSACertificate of Merit: Children's Series
2016Little Lunch AppACTFSPA AwardsAustraliaInteractive Production
2016Little Lunch App: A Teacher's GuideACTFATOM AwardsAustraliaBest Educational eBook
2016Nowhere BoysMatchbox PicturesInternational Emmy AwardsFranceBest Kids Series
2016Nowhere Boys – Series 2Matchbox PicturesKidscreen AwardsUSABest Non-Animated or Mixed Series
2016Nowhere Boys – Series 2Matchbox PicturesInternational Emmy AwardsUSAKids: Series
2016Ready For ThisBlackfella Films/Werner Film ProductionsAWGIE AwardsAustraliaChildren's Category: C Classification
2016Ready For ThisBlackfella Films/Werner Film ProductionsLogie AwardsAustraliaMost Outstanding Children's Program
2016Ready For ThisBlackfella Films/Werner Film ProductionsWorldfest Houston Remi AwardsUSABronze Remi – Children's Audience
2015Bushwhacked! – Series 2Mint PicturesWorldfest Houston Remi AwardsUSABest TV Series – Family/Children
2015Dance Academy – Series 3Werner Film ProductionsKidscreen AwardsUSABest Non-Animated or Mixed Series
2015Nowhere Boys – Series 1Matchbox PicturesKidscreen AwardsUSABest New Series
2015Nowhere Boys – Series 2Matchbox PicturesBanff World Media Festival Rockie AwardsCanadaYouth Fiction
2015Nowhere Boys – Series 2Matchbox PicturesLogie AwardsAustraliaBest Children's Series
2015Nowhere Boys: The 5th BoyMatchbox PicturesKidscreen: iKids AwardsUSABest Website: 6 and Up
2015The Flamin' Thongs – Episode 2: 'No One Likes A Smart House'MWP – RDB ThongsWorldfest Houston Remi AwardsUSAGold Remi: Best Television Animation
2014Bushwhacked! – Series 2, Episode 1: 'Whale Shark'Mint PicturesAsian Television AwardsSingaporeBest Children's Programme
2014Bushwhacked! – Series 2, Episode 2: 'Sea Eagle'Mint PicturesWildscreen Panda AwardsUKHigh Commendation: Children's Choice Awards
2014Dance Academy – Series 3Werner Film ProductionsKidscreen AwardsUSABest Companion Website
2014Handball HeroesCarbon MediaQueensland Reconciliation AwardsAustraliaHigh Commendation: Business
2014 Hoopla Doopla! – Episode 9: 'Snow Business'Writer: Kym GoldsworthyAWGIE AwardsAustraliaChildren's Television: 'P'
2014Hoopla Doopla! – Episode 6: 'Hiccups'The Content AgencyAsian Television AwardsSingaporeHigh Commendation: Best Preschool Programme
2014MY:24 AppEssential Media and EntertainmenteLearning AwardsAustraliaBest Community Resource
2014Nowhere Boys – Series 1, Episode 3Writer: Craig IrvinAWGIE AwardsAustraliaChildren's Television: 'C'
2014Nowhere Boys – Series 1Matchbox PicturesLogie AwardsAustraliaMost Outstanding Children's Drama
2014Nowhere Boys – Series 1Matchbox PicturesPrix Jeunesse InternationalGermanyInternational Youth Jury
2014Nowhere Boys – Series 1Matchbox PicturesSPA AwardsAustraliaChildren's Television Production
2014Nowhere Boys – Series 1Matchbox PicturesCynopsis Kids !magination AwardsUSAHonorable Mention: Online Interactive Experience
2014Nowhere Boys – Series 1Matchbox PicturesCynopsis Kids !magination AwardsUSAHonorable Mention: Tweens 9–14 Series/Special
2014Nowhere Boys – Series 2Matchbox PicturesATOM AwardsAustraliaBest Children's Television Program
2014Paper PlanesDirector: Robert ConnolyCine`festOZ Film PrizeAustraliaFilm Prize
2014The Flamin' Thongs – Episode 1 & 20: 'The Boy Who Cried Blowfly' and 'A Fright At The Opera'MWP – RDB ThongsAACTA AwardsAustraliaBest Children's Television Series
2014The Flamin' Thongs – Episode 2: 'No One Likes A Smart House'MWP – RDB ThongsAsian Television AwardsSingaporeBest 2D Animated Programme
2013Bushwhacked! – Series 1Mint PicturesChicago International Children's Film FestivalUSAChildren's Series
2013Dance Academy – Series 2Werner Film ProductionsKidscreen AwardsUSABest Companion Website
2013Dance Academy – Series 2Werner Film ProductionsChicago International Children's Film FestivalUSAGold Plaque: Children's Series
2013Dukes of Broxstonia – Series 3Sticky PicturesSPAA AwardsAustraliaBest Children's Television Production
2013Flea-bitten!Moody Street KidsAPRA/AGSC AwardsAustraliaBest Music for Children's Television
2013You're Skitting Me – Series 1Jigsaw EntertainmentChicago International Children's Film FestivalUSACertificate of Merit: Sketch Comedy Series
2012Dance Academy – Series 2Werner Film ProductionsAsian Television AwardsAsiaHigh Commendation: Best Children's Programme
2012Dancing Down UnderWild FuryATOM AwardsAustraliaBest Children's Factual Television Program
2012Flea-bitten! Episode 52: 'Home Truths'Writer: Ray BoseleyAWGIE AwardsAustraliaBest Animation Script
2012Language of Belonging: Wadu MatyidiACTFATOM AwardsAustraliaBest Indigenous Resource
2012Language of Belonging: Wadu MatyidiACTFATOM AwardsAustraliaBest Primary Education Resource
2012My Place – Series 2Matchbox PicturesATOM AwardsAustraliaBest Children's Fiction Television Program
2012My Place – Series 2Matchbox PicturesKidscreen AwardsUSABest Non-Animated or Mixed Series
2011Dance Academy – Series 1Werner Film ProductionsKidscreen AwardsUSABest Companion Website
2011Dance Academy – Series 1Werner Film ProductionsLogie AwardsAustraliaMost Outstanding Children's Program
2011Dance Academy – Series 1Werner Film ProductionsNew York FestivalUSABronze World Medal: Children's/Youth Program
2011Dance Academy – Series 1Werner Film ProductionsChicago International Film Festival: The Hugo Television AwardsUSAGold Plaque: Best Children's Series
2011Horace In Slow Motion – Series 1BoombadaBest Shorts CompetitionUSABest of Show: Children/Family Programming
2011Lockie Leonard – Series 2Goalpoast PicturesAIMIA AwardsAustraliaBest Cross Platform
2011My Place – Series 1Matchbox PicturesKidscreen AwardsUSABest Non-Animated or Mixed Series
2011My Place – Series 2Matchbox PicturesAsian Television AwardsAsiaBest Children's Programme
2011My Place – Series 2, Episode 1: '1878: Henry'Matchbox PicturesAsian Television AwardsAsiaBest Children's Programme
2011My Place – Series 2, Episode 2: '1868: Minna'Writer: Nicholas ParsonsAWGIE AwardsAustraliaChildren's Television: C Classification
2010My Place – Series 1Matchbox PicturesAFI AwardsAustraliaBest Children's Drama
2010My Place – Series 1Matchbox PicturesATOM AwardsAustraliaBest Children's Production
2010My Place – Series 1Matchbox PicturesLogie AwardsAustraliaMost Outstanding Children's Program
2008Lockie Leonard – Series 1Goalpoast PicturesATOM AwardsAustraliaBest Children's Fiction Television Program
2008Lockie Leonard – Series 1Goalpoast PicturesATOM AwardsAustraliaBest Secondary Education Resource
2008Lockie Leonard – Series 1Goalpoast PicturesLogie AwardsAustraliaMost Outstanding Children's Program
2008Mortified: Episodes 1,6,16 and 19: 'Taylor's DNA', 'The Talk', 'D.J Taylor' and 'The Wedding'ACTF/Enjoy EntertainmentCairo International Film FestivalEgyptChildren's Arbitration Committee: Best Televised Program
2008MortifiedACTF/Enjoy EntertainmentPrix Jeunesse FestivalGermanyTheme Prize: Gender
2008MortifiedACTF/Enjoy EntertainmentCairo International Film FestivalEgyptBronze: Best Televised Program
2007Double Trouble: Episode 7: 'Lost in the Desert'Writer: Danielle MacLeanAWGIE AwardsAustraliaBest Children's C Classification Script
2007I Got A RocketMike Young Productions/SLR ProductionsInternational Emmy AwardsUSANew Approaches – Daytime Children's
2007Lockie Leonard – Series 1Goalpoast PicturesAFI AwardsAustraliaBest Children's Television Drama
2007Lockie Leonard – Series 1Goalpoast PicturesChicago International Film Festival: The Hugo Television AwardsUSASilver: Adult Jury Prize
2007MortifiedActor: Marny KennedyGolden Chest AwardsBulgariaBest Child's Role
2007MortifiedACTF/Enjoy EntertainmentGolden Chest AwardsBulgariaBronze: Special Prize for Children's Series
2007MortifiedACTF/Enjoy EntertainmentNew York FestivalUSAGrand Award: Best Youth Program
2007MortifiedACTF/Enjoy EntertainmentNew York FestivalUSAGold Medal: International Programming and Promotion of Youth: Ages 7–12
2007MortifiedACTF/Enjoy EntertainmentSeoul Drama AwardsKoreaBest Juvenile Drama
2007MortifiedACTF/Enjoy EntertainmentUS International Film and Video FestivalUSAGold Camera Award
2006Holly's HeroesTosi Westside/The Gibson GroupNew Zealand Screen AwardsNZBest Children's Programme
2006MortifiedACTF/Enjoy EntertainmentAFI AwardsAustraliaBest Children's Television Series
2006MortifiedActor: Marny KennedyAFI AwardsAustraliaYoung Actor Award
2006MortifiedACTF/Enjoy EntertainmentATOM AwardsAustraliaBest Children's Television Series
2006MortifiedACTF/Enjoy EntertainmentChicago International Film Festival: The Hugo Television AwardsUSAChildren's Live Action Television
2006MortifiedACTF/Enjoy EntertainmentChris AwardsUSABronze Plaque: 6 Out of 7 Points
2006Noah & SaskiaACTFNew York FestivalAustraliaSilver World Medal
2005Holly's HeroesTosi Westside/The Gibson GroupAFI AwardsAustraliaBest Children's Drama
2005Holly's HeroesTosi Westside/The Gibson GroupQantas Television AwardsNZBest Children's/Youth Programme
2005Holly's HeroesTosi Westside/The Gibson GroupChris AwardsUSABronze Plaque: 6 Out of 7 Points
2005Holly's HeroesTosi Westside/The Gibson GroupUS International Film and Video FestivalUSASilver Screen Award
2005Noah & SaskiaACTFATOM AwardsAustraliaBest Children's Television Series
2005Noah & SaskiaACTFUS International Film and Video FestivalUSAGold Camera Award
2005Noah & Saskia CD-ROMACTFATOM AwardsAustraliaBest Secondary Education Resource
2004Legacy of the Silver Shadow – Episode 1: 'Tomorrow, The World'ACTFChicago International Film Festival: The Hugo Television AwardsUSACertificate of Merit
2004Noah & SaskiaACTFChris AwardsUSAHonourable Mention: 5 Out of 7 Rating Points
2004Noah & Saskia – Episode 9: 'Extra Spicy'Writer: Sam CarollAWGIE AwardsAustraliaBest Children's Television Drama (C Classification)
2003KahootzACTFAxiem AwardsUSASilver – Interactive: Children's Category
2003KahootzACTFAxiem AwardsUSASilver – Interactive: Education Category
2003Legacy of the Silver ShadowACTFChris AwardsUSAHonourable Mention: 5 Out of 7 Rating Points
2003Worst Best FriendsCoxKnight ProductionsChris AwardsUSAThe Chris Statuette – 7 Out of 7 Rating Points
2003Yolngu BoyYolngu BoyFestival Cannes – Junior Les MureauxFranceAudience Prize
2002Round The Twist – Series 4, Episode 1: 'Welcome Back'ACTFLogie AwardsAustraliaMost Outstanding Children's Program
2001Double Trouble – Episode 9: 'Two Dollars'CAAMAThe Queensland & Northern Territory Awards for CinematographyAustraliaBronze: Tele Features, Television Drama & Mini Series
2001Round The Twist – Series 4, Episode 12: 'Skunk Man'ACTFLogie AwardsAustraliaMost Outstanding Children's Program
2001Round The Twist – Series 4ACTFAWGIE AwardsAustraliaChildren's Screen & Radio
2001Yolngu BoyActor: John Sebastian PilakuiAFI AwardsAustraliaBest Young Actor's Award
2001Yolngu BoyYolngu BoyZanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF)AfricaPeople's Choice Award
2000Crash Zone – Series 1, Episode 1: 'Dream Team'ACTFChris AwardsUSAHonourable Mention: 5 Out of 7 Rating Points
2000KahootzACTFATOM AwardsAustraliaBest Primary Education Resource: Multimedia
2000Lift Off! – Series 2: I Think...Education ResourceACTFATOM AwardsAustraliaPrimary Education Resource
2000Round The TwistACTFWorld Media FestivalGermanyWebsite Design – Non-Profit Organisation Website: Intermedia-Globe Silver
2000Round The Twist – Series 3, Episode 10: 'Tears of Innocence'ACTFNew York FestivalUSAGrand Jury Prize for Best Show – Youth 7–12
2000Round The Twist – Series 3, Episode 10: 'Tears of Innocence'ACTFNew York FestivalUSAGold World Medal: Youth Category 7–12
2000Round The Twist – Series 3, Episode 10: 'Tears of Innocence'ACTFChris AwardsUSAHonourable Mention: 5 Out of 7 Rating Points
2000Round The Twist – Series 3, Episode 3: 'Whirling Derfish'Writer/Director: Ray BoseleyBanff World Media Festival Rockie AwardsCanadaChildren's Program Category
2000Round The Twist – Series 3, Episode 3: 'Whirling Derfish'ACTFNew York FestivalUSAGrand Jury Prize for Best Show – Youth 7–12
2000Round The Twist – Series 3, Episode 3: 'Whirling Derfish'ACTFNew York FestivalUSAGold World Medal: Youth Category 7–12
2000Round The Twist – Series 3, Episode 3: 'Whirling Derfish'ACTFChris AwardsUSAHonourable Mention: 5 Out of 7 Rating Points
2000Yolngu BoyYolngu BoyGiffoni Film FestivalItalyBronze Gryphon Prize: 'Free To Fly'
2000Yolngu BoyProduction: Brad ShieldAustralian Cinematographers Society AwardsAustraliaSilver: Cinematography
1999Crash Zone – Series 1, Episodes 1 & 12: 'The Dream Team' and 'The Shadow'ACTFGolden Chest AwardsBulgariaChildren's Jury Prize
1999Crash Zone – Series 1, Episodes 1 & 12: 'The Dream Team' and 'The Shadow'ACTFGolden Chest AwardsBulgariaSpecial Prize: Drama for Children & Adolescents
1999Li'l Elvis Jones and the TruckstoppersACTF/Viskatoons/France AnimationItheme AwardsFranceBest Animation Broadcast on Cable & Satellite Television
1998Li'l Elvis Jones and the Truckstoppers: Episode 1: 'Caught in a Trap'ACTF/Viskatoons/France AnimationChiarra D'Assisi Children's Television PrizeItalyBest International Children's Program
1998Li'l Elvis Jones and the Truckstoppers: Episode 1: 'Caught in a Trap'ACTF/Viskatoons/France AnimationUS International Film & Video FestivalUSABronze: Children's Program Category
1998Li'l Elvis Jones and the Truckstoppers: Episode 1: 'Caught in a Trap'ACTF/Viskatoons/France AnimationUS International Film & Video FestivalUSACertificate for Creative Excellence
1997First DayACTFNational Educational Media Network AwardsUSAThe Silver Apple Award
1997Lift Off! – Series 2: 'Lift Off! to Fire Safety'ACTFVideo FuegoSpainHonourable Mention
1996First DayACTFATOM AwardsAustraliaSpecial Award: Hearthealth Award for Human Development
1996First DayACTFChris AwardsUSASocial Issues – Documentary Category
1996Lift Off! – Series 2ACTFCairo International Film Festival for ChildrenEgyptGolden Cairo
1996Lift Off! – Series 2: 'Lift Off! to Fire Safety'ACTFChris AwardsUSAHonourable Mention: Education & Instruction: Safety Category
1995Lift Off! – Series 2, Episode 19: 'Heroes'ACTFThe Japan PrizeJapanHoso Bunka Foundation Award for Excellence in Pre-School Programming
1995Lift Off! – Series 2ACTFNew York FestivalUSABronze: Youth Programming: 7-12 Years
1995Sky TrackersACTFATOM AwardsAustraliaBest Children's TV Series
1994Round The Twist – Series 2, Episode 12: 'Little Black Balls'ACTFATOM AwardsAustraliaChildren's Television Award
1994Round The Twist – Series 2, Episode 3: 'Little Squirt'ACTFATOM AwardsAustraliaPrimary Student Judging Panel Award
1994Round The Twist – Series 2, Episode 3: 'Little Squirt'ACTFPrix Jeunesse InternationalGermanyFiction: 7-12 Years
1994Sky TrackersActor: Zbych TrofimiukAFI AwardsAustraliaBest Young Actor's Award
1994Sky TrackersACTFCairo International Film FestivalEgyptGolden Cairo for TV Programs
1994Sky Trackers – Episode 1: 'Skating The Dish'ACTFAFI AwardsAustraliaBest Children's Drama
1993Lift Off! – Series 1ACTFTV World Marketing AwardsInternationalBest Marketing by an Independent
1993Round The Twist – Series 2, Episode 3: 'Little Squirt'ACTFAFI AwardsAustraliaBest Children's Drama
1993Round The Twist – Series 2, Episode 5: 'Nails'Writers: Paul Jennings & Esben StormAWGIE AwardsAustraliaChildren's Adaptation to Television
1992Lift Off! – Series 1, Episode 15: 'Something Tells Me'ACTFAFI AwardsAustraliaBest Children's Television Drama
1992Lift Off! – Series 1, Episode 1: 'A Load of Old Rubbish'ACTFAFI AwardsAustraliaBest Children's Television Drama
1992Lift Off! – Series 1ACTFUnited Nations Association of Australia: Media Peace AwardsAustraliaChildren's Category
1991More Winners: Episode 3: 'Boy Soldiers'ACTFATOM AwardsAustraliaHighly Commended: General Award – Narrative
1991More Winners: Episode 2: 'The Big Wish'ACTFATOM AwardsAustraliaHighly Commended: Children's Award – Narrative
1991Round The Twist – Series 1, Episode 9: 'Lucky Lips'ACTFATOM AwardsAustraliaGeneral Award – Narrative
1991Round The Twist – Series 1, Episode 8: 'Wunderpants'ACTFAFI AwardsAustraliaBest Children's Television Drama
1991Round The Twist – Series 1, Episodes 9 & 12: 'Lucky Lips' and 'Without My Pants'ACTFATOM AwardsAustraliaChildren's Award – Narrative
1990Kaboodle – Series 2ACTFAustralian Television Society AwardsAustraliaCertificate of Merit: Children's Category
1990Kaboodle – Series 2, Episode 1: 'The Great Hedge Race'ACTFATOM AwardsAustraliaHighly Commended: Children's Award in Animation
1990Kaboodle – Series 1, Episode 1: 'The Great Detective'Production: Richard ChatawayAustralian Cinematographers Society AwardsAustraliaGold: Cinematography
1990Kaboodle – Series 2, Episode 1: 'The Hedge and Mr. Snip'ACTFATOM AwardsAustraliaHighly Commended: Children's Award in Animation
1990More Winners: Episode 3: 'Boy Soldiers'Writer: Cliff GreenAWGIE AwardsAustraliaChildren's Award
1990More Winners: Episode 3: 'Boy Soldiers'ACTFChicago International Festival of Children's FilmsUSALiv Ullmann Peace Prize
1990More Winners: Episode 2: 'The Big Wish'ACTFChicago International Festival of Children's FilmsUSAOutstanding Humour: Festival Award
1990Round The Twist – Series 1Writer: Paul JenningsAWGIE AwardsAustraliaChildren's Adaptation to Television
1990Round The Twist – Series 1Production: Jan KennyAustralian Cinematographers Society AwardsAustraliaCertificate of Merit: Cinematography
1990Round The Twist – Series 1, Episode 8: 'Wunderpants'ACTFATOM AwardsAustraliaHighly Commended: Children's Award – Narrative
1990The Greatest Tune on EarthACTFTelevision Society Awards of AustraliaAustraliaCertificate of Merit: Children's Program Category
1990Touch The Sun: Episode 1: 'Captain Johnno'ACTFCCTVChinaChildren's Television Award
1990Touch The Sun: Episode 1: 'Captain Johnno'ACTFCinemagic Film FestivalNorthern IrelandRegional Guild of Film Writers
1989Touch The SunACTFNSW Children's Week AwardsAustraliaFilm & Television Award
1989Touch The Sun: Episode 1: 'Captain Johnno'ACTFInternational Festival for YouthFranceHighly Commended: Grand Jury Prize
1988Kaboodle – Series 1ACTFAustralian Television Society AwardsAustraliaAward for Excellence: Children's
1988Kaboodle – Series 1ACTFBanff World Media Festival Rockie AwardsCanadaInternational Children's Variety Program
1988Kaboodle – Series 1, Episode 1: 'Double Take'ACTFATOM AwardsAustraliaBest Narrative in Animation
1988Touch The SunACTFBicentennial Pater AwardsAustraliaAustralasian Children's Drama Program
1988Touch The Sun: Episode 1: 'Captain Johnno'Production: Roger DowlingAustralian Cinematographers Society AwardsAustraliaGold: Cinematography
1988Touch The Sun: Episode 1: 'Captain Johnno'Actor: Damien WaltersAustralian Television Society AwardsAustraliaAward for Excellence – Performance by a Juvenile Actor
1988Touch The Sun: Episode 1: 'Captain Johnno'ACTFInternational Emmy AwardsUSAChildren's & Young People's Category
1988Touch The Sun: Episode 3: 'Devil's Hill'ACTFChicago International Festival of Children's FilmsUSALive Action Feature Length Videotape
1988Touch The Sun: Episode 4: 'Peter & Pompey'ACTFAustralian Television Society AwardsAustraliaAward for Excellence – Children's Drama
1988Touch The Sun: Episode 4: 'Peter & Pompey'Writer: John MistoAustralian Television Society AwardsAustraliaExcellence in Scriptwriting – One-Off Drama or Miniseries
1987Kaboodle – Series 1, Episode 10: 'The Fogbrook Thing'Writer: Joshua CrooksATOM AwardsAustraliaBest Narrative in Animation
1987Kaboodle – Series 1, Episode 2: 'The Huge Adventures of Trevor a Cat'ACTFATOM AwardsAustraliaBest Animation – Tertiary Student
1986WinnersACTFChicago International Festival of Children's FilmsUSASpecial Prize for Outstanding Achievements in Developing High Quality Films for Children's Audience
1986Winners: Episode 2: 'Just Friends'ACTFChicago International Festival of Children's FilmsUSAChildren's Audience Vote: Most Popular Video
1986Winners: Episode 4: 'The Paper Boy'ACTFChicago International Festival of Children's FilmsUSAHonourable Mention: Live Action
1986Winners: Episode 5: 'The Other Facts of Life'ACTFChicago International Festival of Children's FilmsUSASpecial Jury Prize: Cinematic Impact
1986Winners: Episode 6: 'Top Kid'ACTFATOM AwardsAustraliaGeneral Award – Narrative
1986Winners: Episode 6: 'Top Kid'ACTFChicago International Festival of Children's FilmsUSALive Action
1986Winners: Episode 6: 'Top Kid'ACTFPenguin AwardsAustraliaBest Children's Drama
1986Winners: Episode 7: 'On Loan'ACTFATOM AwardsAustraliaChildren's Award – Social Issues
1986Winners: Episode 7: 'On Loan'ACTFUnited Nations Association of Australia: Media Peace AwardsAustraliaCitation
1986Winners: Episode 7: 'On Loan'ACTFATOM AwardsAustraliaHighly Commended: General Award – Social Issues
1986Winners: Episode 7: 'On Loan'Actor: Quang Chinh DinhSt Kilda Film FestivalAustraliaCertificate of Merit: Acting
1985Winners: Episode 5: 'The Other Facts of Life'ACTFAWGIE AwardsAustraliaChildren's Category – Original Work
1985Yolngu BoyComposer: Bernard BoriesCannes Junior de Ille Maurice FestivalFranceBest Music

Productions

Notable television series developed or assisted by the ACTF include:

Related Research Articles

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Lift Off was an Australian children's television series that was developed and produced by Patricia Edgar and broadcast on ABC Television from 1992 until the series ended in 1995. Each episode featured a live action storyline about a group of young children, and the problems they encountered with growing up, their parents, and various other social issues. Episodes would also feature segments of short animation, puppetry and documentary segments, as well as various songs, stories, and word games. Aimed at 3- to 8-year-olds, the series was linked with the school curricula through the Curriculum Corporation of Australia. The different episodes used stories and locations to explore subjects such as jealousy, loneliness and anger. The puppet characters were designed by illustrator Terry Denton and were constructed by the sculptor Ron Mueck.

The Genie from Down Under is a British-Australian children's comedy television series. It was a co-production between the ACTF, the BBC and the ABC from 1996 to 1998. The Genie from Down Under is based on an idea from Steve J Spears which was developed into a series concept with a 'Round The Twist' flavour. Esben Storm, Steve Spears and a team of writers work-shopped the storylines. Patricia Edgar was looking for a new idea for a comedy series which would capture the debate about Australia becoming a Republic - a significant issue in Australia at the time. She invited a few writers to submit original ideas then chose the concept submitted by Steve Spears to workshop its potential. She asked Esben Storm, who had been the co-author and Director of the successful Round the Twist series to lead the development workshop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Patricia Edgar</span> Australian writer

Patricia May Edgar AM is an Australian author, television producer, educator and media scholar, best known as the founding director of the Australian Children's Television Foundation.

Li'l Elvis and the Truckstoppers is an animated musical children's television series and the Australian Children's Television Foundation's (ACTF's) first joint venture under the Distinctly Australian Program introduced by the Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating. The Director of the ACTF, Dr. Patricia Edgar, selected Peter Viska's character Li'l Elvis to design and co-produce the ACTF's first long-form 26-episode-series animation. As an original concept, not commissioned from overseas or based on an adaption of a classic story, production of the series on this scale was a massive undertaking for the Australian animation industry. With Li'l Elvis, an $11.5 million project, the ACTF opened up a new overseas market in partnership with France 2 and France Animation, a French production company, and Ravensburger, a German distributor, with the financial participation of Centre national de la cinématographie. A team of 90 animators and artists worked for 18 months including 39 trainees were employed on the production in support roles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Film Finance Corporation Australia</span> Former Australian government company

The Film Finance Corporation Australia (FFC) was the government agency responsible for funding commercial productions of Australian film, documentary, and television from 1988 to 2008. Unlike other publicly funded organisations responsible for financing media production in Australia, the FFC operated as a commercially oriented funding agency, backing projects with the intention of recouping part of its funding through investment. The organisation was responsible for financing several notable Australian feature films, among them Strictly Ballroom (1992), Muriel's Wedding (1994) and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994). During its lifetime, the FFC supported 248 features with a total investment of A$662 million. In 2008, the FFC was succeeded by Screen Australia, which merged the similar film financing bodies operated by the Australian government.

<i>Yolngu Boy</i> 2001 Australian film

Yolngu Boy is a 2001 Australian coming-of-age film directed by Stephen Maxwell Johnson, produced by Patricia Edgar, Gordon Glenn, Galarrwuy Yunupingu and Mandawuy Yunupingu, and starring Sean Mununggurr, John Sebastian Pilakui, and Nathan Daniels. Yolngu Boy is based around three Aboriginal teenage boys linked by ceremony, kinship and a common dream-to become great Yolngu hunters, in a remote community at Yirrkala in North-East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory of Australia. The feature film traces the metaphorical journey of the three young Aboriginal teenagers caught in a collision between the modern world and traditional Aboriginal culture where they hunt wild animals in the morning using spears and play football while listening to hip hop rap music in the afternoon. The project involved a significant number of community members in the cast and crew of the film.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ABC Me</span> Australian television channel

ABC Me is an Australian English language children's free-to-air television channel owned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. It was officially launched by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on 4 December 2009 as ABC3.

Screen Australia is the Australian Federal Government's key funding body for the Australian screen production industry, created under the Screen Australia Act 2008. From 1 July 2008 Screen Australia took over the functions of its predecessor agencies the Australian Film Commission (AFC), the Film Finance Corporation Australia (FFC) and Film Australia Limited.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Norman Lacy</span> Australian politician

Norman Henry Lacy is an Australian former politician, who was a Victorian Government Minister from May 1979 to April 1982.

<i>Crash Zone</i> Australian TV series or program

Crash Zone is an Australian children's science fiction television series which aired on the Seven Network from 13 February 1999 to 25 August 2001. It was produced by Australian Children's Television Foundation, in association with the Disney Channel, and ran for 26 episodes. The series stars five high school students, "high-tech whiz kids" of varied backgrounds, who are hired by the president of the Catalyst software company to save her failing business. The premise of the series was unique in that it was one of the first series to examine the early use of the internet as well as the video game industry and artificial intelligence.

Touch the Sun is a series of television films commissioned by Patricia Edgar for the Australian Children's Television Foundation. It was to be the ACTF's project for the Australian Bicentenary celebrations in 1988. The Australian Bicentennial Authority named Touch the Sun as the Bicentenary official children's series for 1988. Edgar's plan was to locate stories in every state in Australia showing the diversity of the Australian landscape. It was directed, written and produced by some of the top film and tv personnel in Australia. Patricia Edgar was Executive Producer of the show and it was backed by the ABC, Australian Film Commission, the New South Wales Film Corporation, the South Australian Film and Television Financing Fund, the South Australian Film Corporation, Film Victoria and the French distribution company Revcom International. National Trustees agreed to act as investor representatives for Touch the Sun in 1986 and the series was offered to the Australian Television networks for telecast in 1988. The $7.5 million necessary for production of this unique children’s series for the Bicentennial year was fully subscribed by 30 June 1987. The ABC paid $2 million for the Australian rights to Touch the Sun, the most the ABC had ever spent to acquire the rights to a program.

Christopher Hugh Neal is an Australian musician, songwriter, record producer and television and film music composer. His scores include Buddies, Bodyline, The Shiralee, Turtle Beach and Farscape.

Ready for This is an Australian teen-oriented television drama series that premiered on ABC3 on 5 October 2015. It follows five Indigenous teenagers who venture across the country to Sydney to pursue their dreams.

Kaboodle is a 13-part anthology television series which includes animation, puppetry, and live action and was produced by the Australian Children's Television Foundation (ACTF) that ran on ABC Television from 1987 to 1990. Kaboodle 2 was a follow-on series which provided another six half-hour episodes of innovative television drama for the under-tens. Kaboodle 2, however, was fully animated and instead of being an ‘anthology’ series of many short dramas, all of which are different, this season had regular characters in every episode. The show commenced screening on the Seven Network across Australia in April 1990.

Winners is an Australian children's television anthology series conceived and produced for the ACTF by its founding director, Patricia Edgar. It first screened on Network 10 in 1985 as part of the Australian Broadcasting Tribunal's newly implemented C classified drama quota. It featured eight self-contained telemovies and stories. Patricia Edgar was confident that Winners would be a landmark in the development of quality children's television and that it would go on to set the standard nationally and internationally for future children's productions. More Winners is the second season of the series, first screened on ABC in 1990. It featured six self-contained telemovies and stories.

Regulations on television programming in Australia are enforced by the Australian Communications and Media Authority to promote programming which reflects Australian identity and cultural diversity. Commercial networks must adhere to content quotas of Australian programming, in the categories of Australian content quotas, children's content quotas, commercial broadcasting quotas, community broadcasting quotas, public broadcasting quotas and subscription television quotas. Regulations are based on the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.

References

  1. The Age, 25 June 1981
  2. Spaull, Andrew. A History of the Australian Education Council 1936-1986, Allen & Unwin, 1987, pp 285-288
  3. ACTF Booklet
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Edgar, Patricia. Bloodbath: A Memoir of Australian Television, Melbourne University Press, 2006
  5. Edgar, Patricia. 'The Art of Getting Things Done' in Share Visions - Women in Television, Blonski, Annette. and Glow, Hilary. Eds. Australian Film Commission, 1999, page 30 "Norman Lacy, the Victorian Minister for the Arts and Education, happened to read a paper I’d given for the annual Grierson Lecture in which I had proposed the establishment of a foundation for children’s television. He asked me to see him because he said he liked the idea and I and others set about gathering support. Lacy took the idea to the AEC (the Council of Ministers of Education). After long and extensive lobbying of State governments and Canberra politicians, we succeeded."
  6. "Australian Children's Television Foundation".
  7. Senate Legislative and General Purpose Standing Committees -The First 20 Years 1970 - 1990, Parliament of Australia, 30 May 2003.
  8. Spaull, Andrew. ibid