The latest funding round spans feminist noir comedy, sustainable fashion, Australian wildlife and the world of vintage guitars.

Screen Queensland has awarded $200,000 in production funding to four locally created online series as part of the third round of its Online Production Grants program.

Each project will receive $50,000, with the initiative designed to help Queensland screen practitioners develop original intellectual property, build production credits and reach audiences through digital platforms.

The four projects cover a notably diverse range of subjects, from a 1950s-set feminist noir comedy to factual series exploring sustainable fashion, rarely seen Australian wildlife and vintage guitars.

AACTA and AWGIE-nominated writer-director Jessica Trinity Fisher will make Dear Beth, a six-part series about a 1950s advice columnist who solves her readers’ problems with what Screen Queensland describes as “murderous precision.”

Creative producer, contemporary artist and theatre maker Emma Che Raethke will receive support for Sew Reel, following two seamstresses as they transform discarded clothing and give unwanted garments a second life.

Marine biologist-turned-filmmaker Thomas Ashton will make Hidden Lives of Australia, a wildlife series uncovering rarely seen stories from the country’s natural world.

Rounding out the recipients is music industry identity and vintage guitar collector Tony Giacca with Tony Guitarnerd, which takes audiences into the world of vintage instruments, musicians and guitar craftsmanship.

Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney said the four projects demonstrated both the variety of the state’s online sector and the increasing importance of factual programming within it.

“These projects demonstrate the breadth and originality of Queensland’s online creative sector, with stories spanning feminist noir comedy, sustainable fashion, rare Australian wildlife and the fascinating world of vintage guitars,” Feeney said.

“This round also reflects the strength of factual storytelling online, where creators can connect directly with audiences and highly engaged communities of interest around the world.”

Queensland Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek said the funding was intended to help local creators participate in the expanding international creator economy.

“Online content is an increasingly important part of the screen ecosystem enjoyed by millions of Australians, which is why we want Queensland creators to not only participate in this growing industry, but to lead it,” Langbroek said.

The Online Production Grants are part of Screen Queensland’s broader push into digital-first production, with the agency previously supporting online creators including Ms Moni, Tibees, Zachary Staines, Crackermilk and Artspear.

Previous projects to receive support include Ina, which went on to make its world premiere at Canneseries, and Finally, A Show About Men!, subsequently released through Australian comedy platform Grouse House.

The funding program sits alongside Screen Queensland’s investment in film, television and digital games, as well as its operation of production facilities in Brisbane and Cairns.