Talent Escalator Programs
SHORTS PROGRAMS

Director's Acclaim Fund

Screen Australia recognises the importance of filmmakers maintaining momentum following critical acclaim of their short drama films.

This fund provides support for the next stage of professional development for short drama film directors or writer/directors whose short has received significant acclaim (see eligibility below) within the last 12 months.

Available funding

Screen Australia will fund:

• Up to $15,000 for short film directors or writer/directors.

Funding is for

Support for the next stage of professional development for short film directors or writer/directors who have not yet made their first feature. For example, to fund a mentorship, to attend a high-level workshop or to explore other significant opportunities that may be presented to them.

Please note: these funds are not intended to be used solely for single-draft funding. While script development may be a component of an application, proposals that include an outwardly engaged directorial opportunity will be given preference, such as a mentorship or significant collaboration, or a specialist workshop that supports the applicant’s directorial aims and career goals.

Screen Australia will expect a clearly identifiable professional development outcome to be evident in the application.

Applicants may use the funds for their proposal within Australia or overseas.

Eligibility

Applicants must be short drama film directors or writer/directors who have not yet made their first feature and within the last 12 months have:

• Cannes Film Festival: Had their short film selected In Competition, or won Best Short Film or Honourable Mention in Short Filmmaking in Critics’ Week
• Berlin International Film Festival: Won the Golden, Silver or Crystal Bear for Short Film
• Venice Film Festival: Won the Premio Orizzonti award for short film
• Melbourne International Film Festival: Won the Grand Prix for Best Short Film or Award for Best Australian Short Film
• Sydney Film Festival: Won the Dendy Award for Best Short Film,  Yoram Gross Animation Award or Rouben Mamoulian Award
• Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival: Won the Grand Prix, Special Jury Prize, Best Animation or Audience Prize in the International Competition
• Annecy International Animated Film Festival: Won the Annecy Cristal or Special Jury Award for short films
• AACTA (previously AFI) Awards: Won Best Short Fiction or Best Short Animation
• Sundance Film Festival: Won International Jury Prize for Short Film
• Academy Award®: Been nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Short Film or Best Animated Short Film.

In exceptional circumstances Screen Australia will consider on a case-by-case basis directors or writer/directors who have received more than one honourable mention at any of the above festivals.

Eligible applicants must include a written statement detailing their proposed development plan and how it will provide clear strategic career benefits.

Applicants must also meet the general eligibility requirements set out in Screen Australia’s Terms of Trade.

Assessment process

Applications will be assessed by a combination of Screen Australia executives and industry specialists/peers as required. We 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.

Assessment criteria

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

• the quality of the proposed development plan and the strategic benefit to the applicant’s career
  
  
• if applicable, the reputation and track record of the entity providing the opportunity
  
  
• if project-based, the potential of the idea submitted.

Application materials

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

Terms of funding

Funding is in the form of a grant.

Funding recipients must deliver

• A written report on completion of the agreed activity.
  
  
• An expenditure report accounting for the funding received.
  

Recipients may also be asked to participate in seminars or workshops to share their knowledge and experience with other practitioners.

[page updated 5 September 2011]