Sapphires writer and Rachel Griffiths feature among productions getting Screen Australia grants

A writer of last year’s hit musical The Sapphires is among ten who have received development grants totalling $276,000 from Screen Australia.

Tony Briggs was given the funding to support his new venture called The Grip – a comedy drama about five young Australian men who discover the key to winning the pokies and develop Robin Hood-like reputations.

Also among the recipients are Michael Lloyd Green, Felicity Price, David Hely, Amiel Courtin-Wilson, Michael Cody, and Simon Portus who are developing a variety of projects including comedy, drama, thriller, romance and more experimental fare.

A stage work is being adapted for the screen while another work, B Model, marks the feature directorial debut of Rachel Griffiths, which has been in development since early 2011.