NOTE: Short animation production will now be assessed in one round this financial year. Deadline: Friday 30 October 2009.

Screen Australia recognises the unique characteristics of animation production. It is labour-intensive, requires a special set of skills, and usually involves very long periods of production.

The Short Animation Production Program aims to support the production of animation projects which are original in subject matter and style and take risks. Such projects will further develop Australia's mainstream and commercial animation industry in the context of the rapidly evolving field of digital and visual effects.

Applicants must satisfy the general eligibility requirements for Screen Australia funding set out in the agency’s Terms of Trade.

The following additional requirements also apply to this program:

• Only teams may apply. Screen Australia expects an application for funding to come from the producer, recognising their key role in bringing projects to fruition.
  
  
• The director and/or animator should have made at least one film in the role of director and/or animator.
  
  
• The producer must have at least one producing credit on a released and/or broadcast program.
  
  
• Applications involving first-time directors and/or animators will be considered on a case-by-case basis as long as the producer is an experienced animation producer.

Eligible projects

Funding is for:

• One-off animations up to 15 minutes.
  
• Production or post-production.

Level of funding

Applications can be for up to $120,000 per project. 

Fees

No fees are charged for applications to this program.

Assessment criteria

Screen Australia will take the following considerations into account when assessing animation projects for production financing:

• The originality, strength and distinctiveness of the idea and the story, and the suitability of the animation style to the story.
  
  
• The project’s potential to reach its target audience.
  
  
• The skills, experience and successful track record of each of the key principals and their ability to undertake the proposed project, as evidenced in previous work.
  
  
• The viability of the proposed budget and, where relevant, the strategy for raising the remaining finance.
  
  
• Whether the project is ready to go into production.

Assessment process

Applications will be assessed by a combination of Screen Australia executives and industry specialists as required. Screen Australia will advise applicants of the success or otherwise of their application, providing a brief statement of reasons.

Application materials

Applications must be made on the relevant Screen Australia application form, and include all supporting material listed on that form.

Terms of trade

Details of Screen Australia’s delivery items, recoupment and other requirements will be available in Screen Australia’s terms of trade.