Through the All Media Production Program Screen Australia invests in the production of strongly narrative projects that take risks and push the envelope of creative storytelling on traditional and non-traditional platforms. Storytelling across multiple platforms is encouraged.

The program also includes scope for special initiatives with content platforms, aggregators and developers.

Browse the guidelines below, or download as a PDF at right.

Project eligibility

Format and duration

The following types of screen content are eligible under this program:

• Non-linear, interactive drama or documentary storytelling or game content  that has a significant narrative component. (Note that the program only supports games intended for digital distribution.)
  
• Innovative drama projects featuring linear storytelling that is risky and distinctive (up to a maximum of 26 broadcast hours of any one program, which may include multiple series). (Note that the Signature Documentary Program is particularly aimed at innovative linear factual projects.)
  

The content may be created for and distributed on any platform, including free-to-air and subscription television, IPTV, content-rich websites and mobile and smart phone services.

Whatever the platform, projects must incorporate distinctive, dynamic and creative storytelling.

Where content includes a television broadcast component, the content must also be distributed on at least one other digital media platform. This could include catch-up television services, mobile phone or other online release.

Marketplace attachment requirements

Projects must have an attachment from a recognised and appropriate entity that will communicate the content to the public. Co-funding partners and/or marketplace investment may be sourced from private investors, telcos, hardware or software manufacturers, distributors, broadcasters, game publishers, portal managers or any other appropriate entities. Co-funding with state film agencies, other government organisations, educational institutions or other partners is also encouraged.

The market attachment will entitle the distribution platform to a holdback period that can be negotiated on a case by case basis dependant on the platform and content.  Note that is it Screen Australia’s position to encourage holdback periods that facilitate a balance between opportunities for commercial exploitation by the originating investor platform(s) and access by audiences to the content.  Higher licence fees or marketplace attachments are expected the longer the holdback period is.

Any investment in the form of services and/or facilities must be provided by an established company that normally provides these services and facilities as part of its ongoing business. This facilities/ services company may be owned by the applicant(s). Internal services must not be charged at greater than market rates.

Broadcaster involvement

Screen Australia will not finance a production where the project has been developed by a broadcaster and sub-contracted at a later stage to a producer, except where chain of title resides with the producer.
In addition, Screen Australia expects that key creatives (producer, writer, director, director of photography, editor) are not sourced from the staff of a free-to-air or pay television broadcaster or channel. 

Applicant eligibility

Applicants may be individual producers or teams. All teams must have a producer attached, and key team members must have a proven track record relevant to their role in the project. 

Project funding available

Screen Australia will not generally invest more than $500,000 in a project, and will not exceed this threshold other than in exceptional circumstances.
Limits also apply to the level of direct funding as a proportion of the project’s budget; these limits are set out in Screen Australia’s Terms of Trade.

Investment decisions

Applications are considered by Screen Australia executives, with industry specialists consulted as required. Investment decisions will be made against the following criteria:

• strength of the proposal, including its cultural significance, and level of innovation in storytelling;
  
• the project’s potential to connect with its target audience;
  
• the project’s potential to deliver what it sets out to achieve (i.e., entertainment, commercial success), based on appropriate measurable indicators;
  
• track record and capacity of the creative team;
  
• strength of the marketplace (including level of any co-finance other than Screen Australia and the state agencies);
  
• diversity of slate.
  

Screen Australia will advise applicants of the success or otherwise of their application. Where an application is unsuccessful, the reasons will be conveyed to the applicant, with a written statement of reasons provided on request.

Terms of funding

Where Screen Australia investment is $200,000 or under, funding will be provided as a grant, rather than recoupable investment, and will not have to be repaid unless the terms of the grant agreement are breached. Screen Australia’s contribution will be agreed upfront and not varied, other than in exceptional circumstances.

Where Screen Australia investment is more than $200,000, funding is provided as a recoupable investment, with copyright and recoupment terms in accordance with the agency’s Terms of Trade.

Where Screen Australia provides development funds and subsequently invests in the production, its investment in the development phase will be added to its production funding for the purpose of determining whether the $200,000 grant threshold has been reached, and if so, the total investment will be recoupable.

Screen Australia will hold 1 per cent copyright in all projects where its investment is greater than $100,000.

Special initiatives

From time to time Screen Australia may offer special initiatives under the All Media Production Program in conjunction with particular content platforms, aggregators and developers which develop and produce an agreed slate of content.

Potential partners will be assessed based on their ability to work with producers to develop, create and distribute content; the level of proposed partner investment in the content; their capacity to meet agreed KPIs; and the shared revenue potential.

A partnership may not continue for more than three consecutive years.
Content funded via a partnership must meet the requirements of these guidelines and Screen Australia’s Terms of Trade.