convergent television: DOCUMENTARies
signature documentary program

Please note applications for this round closed on 9 September 2011.

The Signature Documentary Program supports projects that are bold in form and/or content, with a strong creative vision. The stories can be local or international with Australian authorship. Broadcast presales are not a prerequisite.

The program can also provide post-production funds.

Funding allocation:
$1.4 million for 2011/12, to be distributed in a single round.

Eligibility

Applicants should meet the general eligibility requirements set out in Screen Australia's Terms of Trade. In addition:

• the producer and the director must have at least one broadcast documentary credit in their respective role (half hour or longer) or a commercial theatrical release or invitation screenings at IDFA, Hot Docs, or equivalent
  
• practitioners experienced in other genres may apply so long as either the producer or director has the required documentary credits
  
• credits must not be more than 10 years old.
  

Projects based on foreign formats are not eligible for funding through the Signature Documentary Program.

Project funding available

Funding for each project is expected to be up to $300,000.

It should be noted that successful applications may not receive the full amount requested. The level of Screen Australia’s funding commitment will be determined by the decision making process and the amount of funds available.

Limits 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 decision-making

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 national and cultural significance, distinctiveness of the idea, quality of the script or treatment, and creative vision for its realisation;
  
• the project’s potential to connect with its target audience;
  
• track record and capacity of the creative team;
  
• project viability, particularly in terms of the proposed budget and financing strategy;
  
• 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 Trade

Details of Screen Australia and NFSA delivery items, recoupment, rights and other requirements, including special requirement for projects that involve Indigenous Australians, are available in Screen Australia’s Terms of Trade.
Refer to Doing Business with Us for more information about the Terms of Trade and Screen Australia’s funding agreements for documentary production.

[These guidelines were issued on 3 May 2011.]