Documentary Production
Program guidelines
Funding Program
Overview
The aims of the documentary production funding programs are to support:
- Australian documentary content for production and release for Direct-to-Audience, Television and Feature Film platforms;
- distinctive storytelling for a range of budgets and audiences across local and global platforms; and
- content makers at different career stages who reflect the breadth of Australia in service of cultural, creative and economic benefits.
There are three (3) different documentary production funding programs that applicants can apply for. They will each have four (4) application rounds per financial year.
direct-to-audience
- Direct-to-Audience projects are those that have not been commissioned by any third party and for which the first and primary release window is Direct-to-Audience e.g. YouTube, Facebook, Virtual Reality (VR), Extended Reality (XR) or Augmented Reality (AR) platforms.
- The content creators are in control of self-distributing the work and taking it to audience.
- The Documentary Direct-to-Audience Program replaces the Online Production Program.
platform first
- The Platform First Program supports content makers to produce features , series or single documentaries that have a confirmed Commissioning Platform i.e. market attachment for Free-To-Air (FTA) television broadcast and streaming platforms across Broadcast Video on Demand (BVOD), Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) and Advertising Video on Demand (AVOD).
- The program supports projects that are at least a commercial half-hour in duration, with a minimum budget of $250,000 per hour.
- All finance must be confirmed at the time of application.
- Screen Australia is generally the last contributor to the Finance Plan.
- Minimum licence fees apply.
- The Platform First Program replaces the Documentary Commissioned Program.
producer first
- The Producer First Program supports content makers to produce features, series and single documentaries for theatrical, free-to-air television broadcast (FTA), streaming platforms across Broadcast Video on Demand (BVOD), Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) and Advertising Video on Demand (AVOD).
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The Producer First Program supports content makers to produce features, series and single documentaries for theatrical, free-to-air television broadcast (FTA), streaming platforms across Broadcast Video on Demand (BVOD), Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) and Advertising Video on Demand (AVOD).
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For projects in partnership with cultural institution's i.e.: museums, galleries and with a demonstrated pathway to audiences, applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
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The Producer First Program provides content makers the flexibility to drive projects creatively and commercially. Screen Australia’s funding acts as the foundation for securing deals and partnerships, in the context of today’s evolving media and distribution landscape as well as the commercial realities of increasingly fragmented sources of finance.
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Minimum licence fees apply - Marketplace contributors need to be secured prior to contract execution but not at the time of applying for Screen Australia funding.
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The Producer First Program replaces the Documentary Producer Program.
available funding
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The amount of funding provided will depend on the scale of your project, the first and primary platform and the amount of additional finance required or secured from other sources.
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Screen Australia may decide to provide funding at a different level than that applied for based on the assessment of all projects submitted to each funding round.
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Other sources of finance are encouraged and the assessment process will take into account the percentage of funding requested from Screen Australia as a proportion of the overall budget. Other contributions may come from marketplace entities, as well as from state/territory agencies, other government organisations, cultural institutions, international sources, private investors, philanthropy or other partners.
- For Official Co-Productions, the percentage caps set out below apply only to the Australian components and proportion of the budget. That is, if the Australian financial contribution to the Official Co-Production is 30% of the production budget, then the cap on funding from Screen Australia (including the Producer Offset, if applicable) is X% of that 30% Australian portion.
direct-to-audience production
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Screen Australia’s maximum contribution per project is generally up to 80% of the total project budget.
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Funding may cover all elements of the project through to release, including post-production funding.
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Applications for post-production funding only are generally expected to be for lower amounts.
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Applications solely for marketing funds are not eligible.
platform first production
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Screen Australia’s maximum contribution per project is $500,000 (inclusive of any previous Screen Australia development funding).
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Funding will be provided by way of a grant.
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However, there may be exceptional projects for which Screen Australia may consider funding for an amount greater than $500,000. Support for these projects would be provided as a recoupable equity investment.
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Support from Screen Australia should account for no more than:
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35% of the budget for projects with a budget of $500,000 or less; or
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65% of the budget (including the Producer Offset) for projects with a production budget of more than $500,000.
producer first production
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Screen Australia’s maximum contribution per project is $500,000 (inclusive of any previous Screen Australia development funding).
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Funding will be provided by way of a grant.
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There may be exceptional projects for which Screen Australia may consider funding for an amount greater than $500,000. Support for these projects would be provided as a recoupable equity investment.
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Screen Australia can be the first confirmed financial contributor in the finance plan. Other finance, including marketplace, does not have to be confirmed at the time of application. However, if an applicant has Letters of Interest (LOI) from other funders, they should provide details in their application.
- Support from Screen Australia should account for no more than:
- 35% of the budget for projects with a budget of $500,000 or less; or
- 65% of the budget (including the Producer Offset) for projects with a production budget of more than $500,000.
inclusive storytelling
For Australian screen content to deliver cultural and economic benefits it must speak to, and be for, all Australians. A range of ideas and a diverse workforce will enhance the Australian screen industry, making it more relevant to Australian audiences and more competitive internationally.
Screen Australia is committed to building equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility into its programs and into our engagement with the community.
Screen Australia encourages applications from applicants from all backgrounds, cultures and experiences. In particular, the agency welcomes applications from under-represented groups.
Screen Australia strives to make its funding programs accessible by removing barriers for people who are d/Deaf, disabled and/or those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
eligibility
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Applicants and projects must meet Screen Australia’s Terms of Trade, any general eligibility or other requirements listed on the agency’s website (see Information for Applicants and Information for Recipients), as well as the specific eligibility criteria set out in these guidelines.
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Specific requirements apply to projects which involve First Nations participation or content.
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Specific requirements may apply to projects which involve community participation or content with the following communities: d/Deaf, disabled, culturally and linguistically diverse, LGBTQIA+, or those from other under-represented groups.
applicant eligibility
These funding programs are open to companies and in certain circumstances, individuals.
Note: that for projects applying for Direct-to-Audience Production funding, Screen Australia will accept applications from individuals (sole traders) that are an Australian citizen or permanent resident. However, if successful, the applicant will need to incorporate a company to make the project before contracting with Screen Australia. All other eligibility criteria listed above apply for these projects.
To be eligible:
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An applicant company must be an incorporated company carrying on business in Australia, with its central management and control in Australia;
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An individual applicant must be an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident (holding a permanent visa) (Direct-to-Audience applications only – see above).
Applicants must also:
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have an Australian Business Number (ABN);
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be registered for the purposes of GST if required by law;
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if applicable, be independent of the nominated local Commissioning Platform for the first release of a program in Australia; and
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demonstrate and/or have relevant experience through comparable work that shows capability to produce work for the platform for which they are applying.
The following types of entities are not eligible to apply to these production funding programs:
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Commonwealth, state, territory or local government agencies or bodies
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any organisations that are otherwise excluded pursuant to the Information for Applicants.
project eligibility
To be eligible, the project must:
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be a documentary: please refer to the ACMA Guidelines for the definition of ‘documentary’
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have been developed by Australian production companies/producers and creatives, not sub-contracted from a Commissioning Platform
- have applicant control the rights necessary to carry out the project, meaning that it must have clear chain of title and must generally be party to any underlying rights agreements
- have Significant Australian Content (SAC) or be an Official Co-Production
- demonstrate, with the exception of Official Co-Productions, that the project is written and directed by Australian citizens or permanent residents and that any non-Australian producers do not prevent the project from meeting the requirements of Screen Australia’s Terms of Trade and other eligibility requirements
- be intended to commence pre-production no sooner than approximately six (6) months after the relevant application deadline to allow time for assessment and contracting.
If an applicant’s first application for a project is not approved, they can make a further application for the same project if significant changes have been made. Changes will generally be in relation to creative, team, pathway to audience, marketplace and/or budget. The applicant will need to outline these in a statement of changes and discuss it with an Investment Manager before submitting.
Screen Australia will not consider more than two funding applications for the one project.
The following are not eligible for funding:
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projects whose first and primary window is not direct-to-audience, television or theatrical feature film
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projects that have been declined twice for Documentary Production funding or through any of these predecessor Screen Australia programs: Online, Producer Program and Commissioned Program
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capital works or purchases
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retrospective costs
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purchase of underlying Intellectual Property
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projects that have submitted concurrently to another Screen Australia funding program, such as Development
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narrative projects
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educational and training programs and projects
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digital or online extensions to an Online, Feature or TV program or ancillary content where the primary purpose is campaign or marketing.
direct-to-audience Production - additional eligibility criteria
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The team must include at least two key creatives covering the roles of writer, director or producer.
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The application must have at least one key creative (writer, producer or director) with one credit on a comparable project which has been primarily released on a direct-to-audience platform.
platform first production - additional eligibility criteria
For features, series or single documentaries that have a confirmed Commissioning Platform for FTA, BVOD, SVOD and AVOD, applicants must meet certain credit requirements as follows:
credit requirements
For features, series or single documentaries with a budget of over $500,000:
For features, series or single documentaries with a budget between $125,000 and $500,000:
An ‘eligible credit’ is a documentary that is 30 minutes or longer in duration, and has:
- been broadcast by a recognised Commissioning Platform or channel; or
- had a commercial theatrical release; or
- been invited to screen at an internationally recognised festival such as Sundance, Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), SXSW, International Documentary Film Festival (IDFA), Hot Docs, CPH:Dox, Sunny Side of the Doc, Sheffield or equivalent.
presale requirements (Television production only)
For feature length, series or singles for which Television (including SVOD, AVOD or BVOD) is the first and primary window, applicants must have:
- a confirmed local Commissioning Platform secured on terms acceptable to Screen Australia, including meeting minimum licence fee requirements, and in accordance with all other relevant industry agreements
- for a single documentary, series or TV feature length documentary, a confirmed licence fee of $150,000 per broadcast hour allocated toward the initial licence period against the primary rights for the platform on which the program premieres in Australia
- minimum license fees cannot include equity investment; broadcast rights for New Zealand or any Rest of World territory (ROW); secondary rights; distribution rights; or anciliary rights
- if further rights or extended licence periods (after the initial licence period) are sought from the Commissioning Platform, they must be negotiated in good faith, in line with current market rates on terms acceptable to Screen Australia; and
- a ROW distributor with a Letter of Interest (LOI) or Deal Memo including commercial deal terms and forecast sales figures for all major territories including an estimate for a Worldwide buyout excluding Australia.
producer first production - additional eligibility criteria
For features, series and single formats intended for theatrical, FTA, streaming platforms across BVOD, SVOD and AVOD, applicants must meet certain credit requirements as follows:
credit requirements
For features, series or single documentaries with a budget of over $500,000:
- the creative team responsible for the project must include one producer, director or writer who has at least two ‘eligible credits’ across different projects in their respective role.
For features, series or single documentaries with a budget between $125,000 and $500,000:
- the producer or director should have at least one credit in respective roles on an equivalent project which has been publicly released; or
- if there is confirmed, arms-length market attachment with a licence fee and/or distribution guarantee as a part of the finance plan, then there will be no prior credit requirements.
An ‘eligible credit’ is a documentary that is 30 minutes or longer in duration, and has:
- been broadcast by a recognised Commissioning Platform or channel; or
- had a commercial theatrical release; or
- been invited to screen at an internationally recognised festival such as Sundance, Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), SXSW, International Documentary Film Festival (IDFA), Hot Docs, CPH:Dox, Sunny Side of the Doc, Sheffield or equivalent.
minimum licence fees
The following apply once the project secures a local presale:
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for a single documentary, series, or TV Feature length documentary a confirmed minimum licence fee of $150,000 per broadcast hour allocated toward the initial licence period against the primary rights for the program being on the Commissioning Platform on which the program premieres in Australia.
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for feature film documentaries with a theatrical release, a theatrical distributor must be secured for at least the Australian territory. Whilst there is no minimum distribution guarantee amount, the key deal terms for such theatrical distribution arrangement must be provided to Screen Australia.
application process
Before applying, applicants must read and understand these guidelines, Screen Australia’s Terms of Trade, Information for Applicants, Information for Recipients, and preview the application form on SmartyGrants.
how to apply
Complete and submit the online application form prior to the application deadline through Screen Australia’s Application Portal on SmartyGrants.
application form
Through the application form, applicants must:
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provide all the information requested and answer the application questions;
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meet, where required, all eligibility criteria; and,
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include all required supporting materials.
required materials
Applicants are required to upload the following materials with their application.
direct-to-audience
creative
Any video links must:
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be downloaded-enabled for Screen Australia record-keeping
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be in mP4 or WMV format, 264, resolution 720p.
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if you need assistance in reducing file size, click here for instructions on compressing your video file.
Finance
- Finance Plan using Screen Australia’s template. For finance sourced from other Australian or international funding authorities, confirmation of decision dates must be provided.
- Documented evidence for any confirmed lines of the Finance Plan i.e.: confirmed Marketplace offer(s) inclusive of: terms and agreement.
- Documented evidence for any unconfirmed lines of the Finance Plan i.e.: Letters of Interest (LOI).
- For finance sourced from other Australian or international funding authorities, confirmation of decision dates must be provided.
- Cashflow Lenders for the Producer Offset or other incentives (such as PDV), if applicable.
- Gap Lender, if applicable.
- For Official Co-Productions, evidence substantiating items in the Finance Plan from partner country/ies.
Production
- Production Budget.*
- Production Schedule (including pre, production, post and any documentation detailing the project’s proposed production methodology).
market and audience
Rights
Platform First
creative
- Proposal
- Project Bible or Pitch Deck
- Directors Statement
- Content to support your application, where applicable. eg: rushes, sizzle, trailer, proof of concept, or casting/contributor reel (none to be more than 5 minutes in duration). If you are applying for post-production funding, an assembly, compile, rough or fine cut or compile of the project.
Any video links must:
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be downloaded-enabled for Screen Australia record-keeping
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be in mP4 or WMV format, 264, resolution 720p.
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if you need assistance in reducing file size, click here for instructions on compressing your video file.
finance
- Finance Plan using Screen Australia’s template.
- Documented evidence for all lines of the Finance Plan including all confirmed Marketplace offer(s) inclusive of: terms and agreement.
- For finance sourced from other Australian or international funding authorities, confirmation of any future decision dates must be provided.
- Cashflow Lenders for the Producer Offset or other incentives (such as PDV), if applicable.
- Gap Lender, if applicable.
- For Official Co-Productions, evidence substantiating items in the Finance Plan from partner country/ies.
production
- Final Production Budget.*
- Final Production Schedule (including pre, production, post and any documentation detailing the project’s proposed production methodology).
market and audience
rIGHTS
- ASIC Company extract, where applicable, dated no later than 30 days prior to the application submission date
- Chain of Title: a summary of chain of title for the project, and if available at the time of application, a solicitor’s opinion letter
- Any co-production agreement or joint venture agreement where the rights in the project may be shared between multiple parties, where applicable.
Producer First Only
creative
- Proposal.
- Project Bible or Pitch Deck.
- Directors Statement.
- Content to support your application, where applicable. eg: rushes, sizzle, trailer, proof of concept, or casting/contributor reel (none to be more than 5 minutes in duration). If you are applying for post-production funding, an assembly, compile, rough or fine cut or compile of the project.
Any video links must:
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be downloaded-enabled for Screen Australia record-keeping
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be in mP4 or WMV format, 264, resolution 720p.
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if you need assistance in reducing file size, click here for instructions on compressing your video file.
finance
- Finance Plan using Screen Australia’s template.
- Documented evidence for any confirmed lines of the Finance Plan i.e.: confirmed Marketplace offer(s) inclusive of: terms and agreement.
- Documented evidence for any unconfirmed lines of the Finance Plan i.e.: Letters of Interest (LOI)
- For finance sourced from other Australian or international funding authorities, confirmation of decision dates must be provided.
- Cashflow Lenders for the Producer Offset or other incentives (such as PDV), if applicable.
- Gap Lender, if applicable.
- For Official Co-Productions, evidence substantiating items in the Finance Plan from partner country/ies.
production
- Latest Production Budget.*
- Latest Production Schedule (including pre, production, post and any documentation detailing the project’s proposed production methodology).
market and audience
RIGHTS
- ASIC Company extract, where applicable, dated no later than 30 days prior to the application submission date.
- Chain of Title: a summary of chain of title for the project, and if available at the time of application, a solicitor’s opinion letter.
- Any co-production agreement or joint venture agreement where the rights in the project may be shared between multiple parties, where applicable.
* Where a Production Budget is required, applicants must use Screen Australia’s A-Z template. The budget must include:
- production costs (including any development costs)
- post-production costs
- financing and indirect costs
- dedicated Marketing budget to support the early development and creation of high-quality marketing assets as well as audience testing
- all delivery costs relevant to the platform and market partners, and associated requirements for the National Film and Sound Archive
- foreign Currency Hedging Mechanism, if applicable
- closed Caption and Audio Description, only required for Feature Film and Television projects
- allowance for a Study Guide
- cast and crew wages which must be at least award minimums
- allowance for Crew Placement Scheme (CPS), if applicable
- allowance for carer and accessibility costs (for example, Accessibility Coordinator), if applicable
- contingency as outlined in platform subheadings below:
- contingency of 10%.
Incomplete applications will not be accepted. This includes applications without finalised finance plans in place with associated documentation for each item in the finance plan.
first nations content or participation
Where there is First Nations community participation or content involved in the project applicants should provide:
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a statement setting out how they are approaching the First Nations content or participation with regard to appropriate protocols. Applicants must demonstrate that they have a consultation plan covering the full production process and are following it. The statement should be based on the checklists available in Screen Australia’s guide Pathways & Protocols: a film maker’s guide to working with Indigenous people, culture and concepts;
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evidence of consultation undertaken to date; and
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if the project will involve particular First Nations individuals or communities, signed letters of consent confirming their willingness to participate and any relevant access agreements.
producer offset
The Producer Offset is administered separately by the Producer Offset and Co-Production Unit (POCU) within Screen Australia.
If the project is eligible to apply for the Producer Offset, note that not all project costs approved are automatically Qualifying Australian Production Expenditure (QAPE). Development funding received may not be eligible for QAPE.
Applicants do not need to have lodged an application for a Producer Offset Provisional Certificate at the time of applying for production funding. In most cases applicants will be able to wait to see whether or not their project has been successful for Screen Australia funding before applying for a certificate, saving time and application fees.
However, if an applicant is approved for funding, they will need to lodge an application and receive certification prior to contract execution.
We strongly recommend that all applicants for production funding familiarise themselves with the Producer Offset FAQs and the Producer Offset Guidelines 2024.
Applicants can contact POCU on [email protected] for further information.
official co-productions
Projects approved as Official Co-Productions are eligible for, but not automatically guaranteed, direct Screen Australia support.
For Official Co-Production projects, applicants need to provide evidence that an application for provisional approval as an Official Co-Production has been lodged. There are no costs associated with making such application for Provisional Approval with the Producer Offset and Co-Production Unit (POCU).
assessment
process
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Once submitted, Program Operations will review each application to determine eligibility and ensure that required materials have been submitted. A member of the team may contact the applicant if there are questions regarding submission materials or eligibility.
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If any application materials have not been submitted, a ‘missing materials’ email will be sent, and the applicant is required to supply the ‘missing materials’ in the specified timeframe. On provision of ‘missing materials’, the applicant will receive an email advising that their application has moved to assessment.
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Once eligibility has been confirmed, the applicant will receive an email advising that their application has moved to assessment which will take approximately eight to twelve (8-12) weeks.
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Applications are assessed against the published criteria by Screen Australia delegates, with industry specialists as required.
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Applicants may be required to undertake a meeting with Screen Australia delegates and industry specialists during the assessment process at mutually agreed times, either in person or online/phone.
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All projects involving First Nations content or participation will be assessed or co-assessed by First Nations Assessors.
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Some projects involving representation of communities and culture may be assessed by Specialist or Cultural Assessors.
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Screen Australia reserves the right to refer any project with potentially contentious or sensitive subject matter to the Board for decision, regardless of the funding request amount.
criteria
Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:
- Is the story strong, distinctive and entertaining and does it demonstrate storytelling craft?
- Is the story suited to its platform and proposed audience?
- Does the story contribute to the depth and diversity of Australian stories?
- Does the previous experience of the team position them to execute the vision?
- Does the team have authentic connection to the content of the story, contributors and subject they are exploring?
- Does the project have the potential to resonate with Australian and/or global audiences?
- Will the story have impact for audiences and/or reflect the depth of people and experiences from around Australia?
- Does the project have the potential to reach the intended audience on its platform/s?
- Is the project budgeted appropriately and can the project be successfully realised for its budget and methodology?
- Is Marketplace and Finance compliant with industry standards and appropriate for the project and platform?
- Does the marketplace and finance sit within Screen Australia’s Terms of Trade and Credit Policy?
- Is the ask on Screen Australia’s direct funding appropriate to budget, audience impact and, where applicable, recoupment?
Other factors that may be considered during the decision-making process include:
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availability of funds
- range of projects in receipt of production funding from Screen Australia inclusive of scale, budget, intended audience, genre and themes
- range of applicants in receipt of development funding from Screen Australia inclusive of applicant, company and geographic diversity
- Extent to which a project is likely to effectively amplify equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.
Preference will be given to:
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projects that, at the time of application, are no further than six (6) months from the start of pre-production.
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projects based on intellectual property created by Australians; and
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Australian original formats over international formats.
decision and notification
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Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application within ten to twelve (10-12) weeks from the submission closing date.
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Where an application is successful, Screen Australia will advise the applicant of the decision verbally (including detail of any conditions of funding), after which the decision will be notified in writing.
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Where an application is unsuccessful, the applicant will be advised and provided with feedback.
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Decisions on application outcomes are final.
successful applicants
contracting
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If a project is approved, the applicant will receive a Letter of Approval detailing the level and type of Screen Australia’s contribution, as well as information about the contracting process and any conditions.
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Successful applicants will enter into a Production Grant Agreement (PGA) or Production Investment Agreement (PIA) with Screen Australia.
terms of funding
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If a project has received development funding from Screen Australia, the previous development funding must be recognised in the production budget and will become part of Screen Australia’s total grant or investment in the project.
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Applicants must adhere to the Screen Australia Credit Policy in any executed or future deals with any partners.
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For further information about Screen Australia’s standard conditions of funding, see Screen Australia’s Terms of Trade, Information for Recipients and the FAQs for these programs.
- Official Co-Production projects must have the Provisional Approvals issued by both competent authorities prior to contract execution.
- Projects utilising the Producer Offset must have the Producer Offset Provisional Certificate approved and issued prior to contract execution.
crew placement scheme
As a condition of Screen Australia production funding, below-the-line crew placement opportunities must be allocated to each project for emerging to mid-career practitioners to gain experience in mid and senior crew and leadership roles.
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Productions that receive over $300,000 in production funding from Screen Australia must budget for, and engage, one emerging or mid-career crew Placee in consultation with Screen Australia.
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Depending on the role, the length of each crew placement opportunity must be for a period of time that provides genuine career advancement (minimum of 6 weeks).
- The costs for the Placee must be included within your production budget. Potential roles for the placements can be discussed with the Investment Manager or Screen Australia’s Industry Development Unit.
- For more information about the requirements of the Crew Placement Scheme, click on these FAQs.
other resources
Further information about Screen Australia funding and resources to assist with submitting an application is available on Screen Australia’s website:
Contact
If applicants have any further questions contact Screen Australia’s Program Operations at [email protected] or 1800 507 901.
Please note that Screen Australia is unable to provide creative advice or review any materials that may form part of an application.
privacy
Screen Australia collects personal information from individuals in different ways, including via funding applications, acquittal reports, or supporting material supplied with forms. Screen Australia will handle any personal information provided in connection with a funding application in accordance with its Privacy Notice relating to funding applications and its Privacy Policy.