indigenous programs
special initiatives

National Indigenous Documentary Fund Series 12 (NIDF 12)

2 x 55-minute Indigenous documentaries

These guidelines should be read in conjunction with Screen Australia’s
Terms of Trade.

The National Indigenous Documentary Fund (NIDF) is an ongoing initiative that provides production opportunities for both emerging and practising Indigenous documentary filmmakers. The initiative aims to give voice to distinctive Indigenous stories and add to the cultural landscape of the wider documentary work produced in Australia and around the world.

The NIDF has produced a wide range of engaging films, from the groundbreaking Bush Mechanics to the critically acclaimed Yellow Fella and My Brother Vinnie. Recent films include The Intervention and Making Samson & Delilah. The initiative has also unearthed many talented new Indigenous filmmakers.

NIDF 12 will comprise two 55-minute documentaries, and is designed to bring to the screen Indigenous stories authored and crafted by Indigenous people. The selected projects will be based on strong ideas, be well-crafted, exhibit a high level of creative ambition, and demonstrate the potential to connect with audiences.

NIDF 12 is an initiative of the Indigenous Department of Screen Australia, in association with the ABC, Screen NSW (NSWFTO), ScreenWest and other state agencies.

The ABC’s intention is to commission two compelling, character-driven stories suitable for primetime screening.

Initiative parameters

• Up to four 55-minute projects will be selected for development. Successful projects will receive up to $15,000 depending on the needs of the project. This will include writer fees, producer fees, script editor fees and any research costs.
  
  
• After the development period, a completed production application will be required, including, but not limited to, a fully developed script or treatment, detailed production budget, schedule, and CVs of principal team members ready for the production selection panel.
  
  
• Two 55-minute projects will then be selected for production.
  
  
• Each project must have Indigenous Australians in key creative roles. A minimum of the writer and director must be Indigenous. Indigenous producers are strongly encouraged to apply.
  
  
• Preference will be given to projects with a producer attached, but projects without a producer in place will be considered.
  
  
• Each project must be a story that can be realised within the specified budget. The censorship rating should be no greater than M.
  
  
• Each documentary must be 52–55 minutes in length, including credits.
  
  
• The total budget for production will be up to $320,000 depending on the needs of the production. Projects may be required to apply for the Producer Offset to complete financing (see the Screen Australia website for details on the Producer Offset).
  
  
• For the selected documentaries, subject to commissioning, the ABC will be entitled to five runs over five years and streaming and download rights for 14 days; the ABC will issue a licence agreement prior to production.

Eligibility

All applicants and projects must meet the general eligibility criteria in the Screen Australia Program Guidelines – Indigenous Programs, in addition to the following specific eligibility requirements:

• Individuals or teams may apply.
  
  
• The writer and director must be Indigenous.
  
  
• The writer, director and producer (if attached) must each have at least one short (26-minute) documentary broadcast credit in their CV.
  
  
• Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia. For the purposes of determining eligibility to a program, all relevant team members (producer, director and writer) are considered to be the applicant.