indigenous programs
Drama Development

Funding is for

A single draft script of

• Short drama films (under 25 minutes)
• Feature films
• Animation drama projects.

Bible and/or series outline for

• TV drama series.

Eligibility

All applicants and projects must meet the general Indigenous Department eligibility criteria, in addition to the following specific eligibility requirements:

Shorts: Individuals or teams with demonstrated experience in the film industry in any role (NB: this is not an entry-level program). Writers from other media will be considered, but only if they are part of a team including an appropriately credited producer or director.

Features: Individuals (a writer or writer/director) or teams (a producer and a writer or writer/director). The writer or writer/director must have at least one produced short film or appropriate television drama credit as a writer.

TV drama series: Individuals (a writer or writer/director) or teams (a producer and a writer or writer/director). The writer or writer/director must have at least one produced short film or appropriate television drama credit as a writer.

Funding recipients must deliver

• A revised one-line AND one-paragraph AND one-page synopsis.
• A revised script draft.
• A report on the progress achieved during this stage of development and future plans for the project.

For TV drama series

• A completed series bible and or/series outline.
  
• A revised one-line AND one-paragraph AND one-page synopsis.
  
• A report on the progress achieved during this stage of development and future plans for the project.

Assessment criteria

When assessing applications for this program, Screen Australia uses the following criteria:

• The strength and distinctiveness of the idea and story
• The quality of the script and the writer’s command of cinematic storytelling and screenplay craft as evidenced by the script and/or previous work
• The quality and rigour of the development notes, and whether they articulate the issues to be faced in the next stage of development, as well as outlining the strategies that should resolve these issues and advance the project.
• The skills and experience of the writer and, where appropriate, the team including script editors, producer(s) and director, and the likelihood that their experience/support will advance the project.
• The potential of the film to reach its target audience.
• The viability of the project with regard to the proposed total production budget amount, financing strategy, creative team and target audience.

Assessment process

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

Specific advice for drama development applicants

Applications primarily for casting, financing, travel or budgeting and scheduling expenses will only be considered for projects where the script is regarded as being at an advanced stage of development (third draft or more).

Application materials

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

Recoupment

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 recouped in accordance with the terms of trade for production financing.

Note that Screen Australia funding of $200,000 or under will be provided as a grant, rather than recoupable investment, the Indigenous Programs overview for more details.