Screen Australia

Screen Australia aims to inspire, inform and engage screen audiences through compelling Australian storytelling.

AISF and Screen Australia – Writer / Director Virtual Sessions

Screen Australia and Australian International Screen Forum (AISF) in New York are partnering to provide Australian screen creatives who have a high level of recent international success with the skills, knowledge, access, and relationships necessary to succeed in the global market and to help them attract international support, investment, and partnerships for Australian content and careers.

Up to eight delegates will be selected to participate in the AISF and Screen Australia online (virtual) program of roundtables, panel discussions, matched mentoring sessions, pitch training, strategic consultations, and introductions to and advice from a selection of influential New York-based screen professionals.

Important note: The text on this webpage provides a snapshot of the relevant information for this program/initiative. Applicants must read all detailed documentation available for download at the bottom of this page, including the program guidelines, before applying.

Key Dates
Deadline

5pm AEST Thursday 21 May 2026

Decision & Notification

Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by 26 June 2026.

Fund Amount
$15,000
Category
International
Funding Type
Special Initiatives
Enquiries
Email: International@screenaustralia.gov.auFreecall: 1800 507 901
More Information

Please read guidelines and supporting documents carefully prior to your enquiry

Apply now

Each successful applicant will receive a grant of $15,000, delivered in two payments, to:

 

  • actively participate in the bespoke two-month (part-time) online (virtual) program of roundtables and master-classes with key international screen decision makers, as well as individualised 1:1 mentorship ($2,500); and
  • after completion of all program sessions and based on their learnings, the applicant will submit a proposal for the 2nd payment/drawdown. Proposal might involve; working with their attached key creatives to quickly refine and develop creative concepts and materials for the projects on their slate, and/or creating any suggested marketing materials and other strategies (including travel) to successfully pitch projects and themselves to potential co-development, talent development and/ or marketplace partners ($12,500)

 

Applicants must be available to participate in all sessions, which will run from July to early Sept 2026. Session timetable will be made available in advance.

To be eligible for this program an applicant;

 

  • applying with a company must:
    • be an incorporated company carrying on business in Australia, with its central management and control in Australia;
    • have an Australian Business Number (ABN); and
    • be registered for the purposes of GST if required by law.
  • applying as a sole trader must:
    • be an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident (holding a permanent visa); and
    • have an Australian Business Number (ABN); and

otherwise, meet Screen Australia’s Terms of Trade.

 

For full eligibility information, including information about attendance and ineligible applicants, please refer to the attached guideline documents.

Applications close 5pm AEST Thursday 21 May 2026 can be made via the Screen Australia application portal with the following materials:

 

  • Application form
  • Required materials
    • CV including credits applicable to the required credit criteria and details of any commercial, significant viewership and/or major festival or awards success.
    • A proposal (maximum 10 pages)

 

For full details on the application process, including information about the 10-page proposal, please refer to the attached guidelines.

Complete and eligible applications will be reviewed and assessed by Screen Australia staff members and/or industry specialists.

 

Funding decisions will be made against the following equally-weighted criteria:

 

  • Proposal. The strength of the proposal, the strength and diversity of the projects on the slate (and the creative talent attached to them), as well as the stage of development and suitability of the nominated lead project(s) for the program
  • International interest. The amount of traction received internationally from the applicant’s completed body of work
  • International strategy. The clarity, research, and effectiveness of the applicant’s proposed international strategy, as demonstrated through their intended professional and business development goals and meeting targets.
  • Experience. The level of experience and knowledge of the applicant pertinent to the activity

 

For full details on the assessment criteria, please refer to the attached guidelines.

Downloads

AISF and Screen Australia Writer/Director Virtual Sessions Guidelines

Download Document