Convergent television: Documentaries
Development

Screen Australia’s Documentary Development Program assists experienced documentary makers to achieve planned outcomes for the development of their projects. 

This could include further research, writing the next draft of a script or treatment, strategic shooting and/or editing to attract marketplace development or production finance, compiling a sizzle reel.

Funding allocation: $600,000 has been allocated to this program for 2011/12, to be distributed in five rounds.

Time-critical funding – by invitation only: Producers must consult with an Investment/Development Manager about applying for time-critical funding (including funding for time-critical shooting) and applications outside of the scheduled rounds can only be made by invitation. A comprehensive rationale will be required, setting out what the funding is to be used for, why the expenditure is vital to the realisation of the film and why the timing is critical. Strong broadcast or marketplace interest must be demonstrated. Unsolicited applications will not be accepted for consideration outside a development funding round.

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

Project funding available

Applicants may apply for any amount up to $30,000.

Projects that come with an offer of cash development funding from a genuine arm’s length marketplace entity are encouraged. However, matched funding is not automatic. (For the purposes of these guidelines, a marketplace entity is defined as an entity whose core business is the financing, sales, distribution, exhibition or broadcast of films/programs.)

Eligibility

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

• Sole applicants must have at least three broadcast documentary credits (half hour or longer) in their role of producer or director.
  
• In the case of teams, either the producer or the director needs at least three broadcast documentary credits (half hour or longer) or a commercial theatrical release or invitation screenings at IDFA, Hot Docs, or equivalent
  
• Credits must not be more than 10 years old and the projects must have screened with a recognised broadcaster or channel.
  
• Practitioners experienced in other genres may apply so long as either the producer or director has the required documentary credits.
  
• Recipients of Screen Australia’s Enterprise funding are not eligible.
  

In addition:

• Applications for series development must have a letter of interest from a domestic broadcaster.
  
• Projects funded under this scheme may only reapply for further development investment if they have confirmed matching marketplace funds (ie from broadcaster(s), distributors, sales agents), and such applications will be considered in the light of the advancement and the overall viability of the project.

Funding decisions

Applications are considered by Screen Australia executives, with industry specialists consulted as required. Funding 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
  
• diversity of slate, including balance of one-off documentaries and series
  the appropriateness of the proposed development strategy and use of funds at this stage of development.
  

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 subsequently invests in the production, its investment in the development phase will be added to the production financing amount and the total investment will be recouped in accordance with the terms of trade for production financing.

See Terms of trade for more information.

[These guidelines were released on 3 May 2011.]
[Page updated 10 June 2011.]