The ABC Indigenous Department was established in 1987, evolving from the former Indigenous Programs Unit (IPU). Over nearly thirty years, the department has become the centre of excellence for production of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander television and the development of Indigenous filmmakers in Australia.
Based in the ABC building in Ultimo Sydney, the Indigenous Department has produced a number of standout series. The first IPU produced show was 'Blackout', a magazine style program that combined covering current affair issues, Aboriginal events, comedy segments and musical performance. It was followed by 'Kam Yam'; the music series 'Songlines'; and the long running documentary series, 'Message Stick' which ran for 14 seasons and developed the skills of many well-known and talented Indigenous filmmakers.
In 2010, under the guidance of new department head Sally Riley, the Indigenous Department was re-branded with a new objective: develop quality primetime Indigenous drama and documentaries. The first series commissioned became the award winning and critical acclaimed 'Redfern Now' (2013) and signalled the new era of Indigenous content and production. The series was written, directed and produced by Indigenous filmmakers and went on to make two series and a telemovie. Its success proved that audience were ready and awaiting this new brand of Australian television.
Since Redfern Now, ABC Indigenous has gone on to produce outstanding comedy and drama including the landmark series 'Gods of Wheat Street' (2014), Logie award nominated 'Black Comedy' (2014) and 8MMM (2015). And with no signs of slowing down, Black Comedy will return in 2016 along with a brand new International genre series 'Cleverman'.
ABC Indigenous supports Indigenous creatives in the industry, proving Indigenous filmmakers and storytellers can lead the way in making exciting Australian television.
Souce: ABC Indigenous
