Australian filmmakers Patrick Gallagher and Martin Cohen have unveiled an ambitious expansion of their Sweeping Plains banner, encompassing a film festival, screenplay awards, talent agency and a growing slate of film and television projects.

The pair announced the new initiatives at the inaugural Sweeping Plains Film Festival, held at Palace Cinemas in Sydney’s Entertainment Quarter on Wednesday night.

The event marked the launch of the Sweeping Plains Screenplay Awards and Sweeping Plains Talent, alongside an expanded production slate spanning short films, feature films and television projects.

“We got sick of waiting for opportunities,” said Gallagher, co-director of Sweeping Plains Films.

“We’re building our own platform, developing our own projects and creating the kind of opportunities we wish existed when we started out.”

What began as an independent production company is now expanding into talent representation, screenwriting and creative development. The Sweeping Plains Screenplay Awards will provide a platform for emerging writers, while Sweeping Plains Talent will focus on identifying and representing performers.

The company’s expanding production slate is also designed to create further opportunities for filmmakers and screen professionals across film and television.

Cohen said the broader vision was not simply about creating opportunities for the pair’s own projects.

“There are so many talented writers, actors and filmmakers everywhere who just need a chance to get their work seen,” Cohen said.

“The festival, the talent agency, the screenplay awards and the productions are all connected. Together, they’re designed to help creatives showcase their work, build relationships and move from one opportunity to the next.”

The inaugural festival also hosted the Sydney premiere of On the Fence, the latest production from Sweeping Plains Films in partnership with Blank Slate Productions.

By bringing its production, development, representation and exhibition activities under one banner, Sweeping Plains is seeking to establish a new pathway for emerging Australian screen creatives, allowing writers, performers and filmmakers to develop their work, find collaborators and reach audiences.