SCHEDULE WATCH PROFILE: Australian pay TV platform Foxtel is eyeing pre-buys and coproductions for Fox Docos, its first premium documentary channel.

A Senate committee has urged the Australian government to make one key change to its proposed tax incentive reforms and called on Screen Australia to release guidelines on how it will allocate an additional A$33m in funding over two years.

Justin Kurzel’s thriller Nitram, inspired by events that led to the 1996 Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania and commissioned by Australian streamer Stan, has won the A$100,000 CinefestOZ prize.

New Zealand’s NZ$50m fund for premium productions aimed at international audiences has called for applications for interim funding totalling NZ$8.4m.

Amazon Studios’ Original Movies unit has flagged its growing commitment to diversity and inclusion in front of and behind the camera as part of its mission to bring new stories to the screen.

Netflix commissioning vast amounts of content has resulted in many “imperfect” shows and an overall decline in storytelling, according to US showrunner Alan Poul.

Australian screen producers and post-production houses have strongly disputed claims by government officials that proposed changes to tax incentives will benefit the industry, with only a minimal downside.

Australian pubcaster SBS and Screen Australia are funding the production of an online drama series exploring death, grief and identity.

The volume of first-run Australian dramas screened by the country’s commercial free-to-air broadcasters has slumped over the past 20 years, according to a new study.

Australian streaming service Stan posted hefty gains in subscribers, revenues and profits in the 12 months to June 30 after screening more than 80 first-run exclusives from 19 distributors.