Three local game studios and several film and television producers are among the first recipients of the ACT Government’s Canberra Screen and Games Fund.

The fund, an ACT Government program delivered in partnership with Screen Canberra, supports the creative industry and helps grow the local screen and digital games industry. It builds on the previous Canberra Screen Investment Fund.

Uppercut Games, Space Dragon Games, and Anecdote Games received games production funding, while Moon Jump Pty Ltd and James Wakehamreceived funding for early concepts.

WildBear Entertainment secured funding for a new season of the ABC series Stuff the British Stole, a co-production with Wooden Horse and Cream Productions, as well as support for two unannounced international series.

Other recipients include Ronde Media, the production company behind Bondi Rescue, for an observational documentary; Olympia Pictures for an Australian/NZ co-production feature film with WME handling international sales; and local sports producer Good Shout for a one-off special.

The volume and quality of applications exceeded interest, but the fund had reached capacity for its first year, Screen Canberra CEO Holly Trueman said.

“By backing established players like WildBear, Uppercut Games and Ronde Media alongside innovative studios and production companies like Space Dragon Games and Good Shout, we are ensuring Canberra continues to be represented in the global creative economy… The projects selected represent a significant win for our local industry.”

Michael Pettersson, Minister for Business, Arts and Creative Industries, said: “We all know Canberrans whogrew up dreaming of a job making video games or a career in film and television.

“Supporting the success of these industries in Canberra doesn’t just help grow and diversify our economy. It helps some Canberrans get their dream job, right here at home.”