Documentary Development

Screen Australia’s documentary development funding program is primarily for experienced documentary makers seeking development for outstanding projects that will connect with audiences in Australia and internationally.

The documentary development program is open to experienced individuals or teams.

Projects that have written expression of marketplace interest or commitment will be viewed favourably.

Time-critical applications (for shooting at short notice of time-critical material integral to the success of a project, in order to attract finance) must be clearly marked and will be assessed outside the development tranches only in genuine and exceptional circumstances. At a minimum, producers need to demonstrate strong broadcast or marketplace interest. Producers should consult with an Investment/Development Manager to assess whether their project is suitable before applying for time-critical funds.

Available funding

Applicants may apply for any amount up to $20,000. Proposals for funding greater than $20,000 will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.

Marketplace contributions: 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.)

Funding is for

Development of half hour, one hour, feature-length or theatrical documentaries, or documentary series:

Research and development of a concept
Treatment
Script writing
Strategic shooting and/or editing to attract marketplace development or production finance
Marketing and pitch materials including plans or elements for multi-platform delivery
Producer fees, director’s and writer’s fees, and where applicable, participants’ fees, research, financing, travel, production budgeting and scheduling expenses

The particular elements for which funding is requested, and the amount requested, will be evaluated against the project’s stage of development and financing strategy.

Eligibility

Applications may be made by individuals or teams.
In the case of an application from an individual, the applicant must have at least three broadcast documentary credits (half hour or longer) in their role of producer, director, or writer
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 screenings at IDFA, Hot Docs, or equivalent. (Experienced practitioners in other genres may apply so long as either the producer or director has the required documentary credits.)
The above requirements may be waived if Screen Australia development funds are at least matched by funds from a recognised arms-length marketplace entity such as a broadcaster.
Series applications must have written interest from a broadcaster.

Screen Australia does not invest in the development of light entertainment, infotainment, current affairs, cooking, ‘how to’, sports, corporate, promotional, installation, community TV, educational or training programs.

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

Further funding: Projects funded under this scheme may reapply for further development investment but it would be conditional on matching marketplace funds, ie broadcaster(s), distributors, sales agents, and such applications will be considered in the light of the advancement and the overall viability of the project.

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. 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 will take the following considerations into account:

The strength and distinctiveness of the concept
The potential of the project to reach its target audience (there will be a particular focus on this criterion in the case of feature documentary)
A proven track record of the applicants and their ability to undertake the project, and the likelihood that their experience will advance the project
The viability of the project in terms of the development plan provided, estimated project budget, financing strategy, and the likelihood or potential of the project to attract further development or production finance after this stage of development
The quality of the materials submitted, the appropriateness of the proposed development strategy and use of funds at this stage of development

(In the case of applications for time-critical shooting) the rationale for shooting time-critical material and the degree to which the success of the film depends on the footage to be shot.

Application materials

Applications must be made on the relevant Screen Australia application form, and include all supporting material listed on that form. Screen Australia will not return supporting materials such as DVDs and books.

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.