Screen Australia

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

First Nations Sector Development Internships

Internships assist practitioners whose careers would benefit from an attachment to a person, production or organisation. This program is designed to assist the career development of talented filmmakers who can demonstrate a strong commitment to a career in the film industry. This is not an entry-level scheme.

An internship may take many forms and involve features, documentaries, animation, interactive digital media, TV drama or comedy series. For example::

  • a director might attach themselves to a more experienced director on a production
  • a producer might spend time in a TV production house to observe the script development and creative management process, or they may wish to work with a more senior producer developing a financing plan for a project of their own
  • an animation filmmaker may wish to enhance specific technical or creative skills
  • a filmmaker may want to hire a more experienced producer or director as a consultant on their own funded production.

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
DeadlineAlways open
Decision & Notification

Assessment turnaround: approximately 4-6 weeks.

Fund Amount
Up to $20,000
Category
First Nations
Funding Type
Sector Development
Enquiries
Email: FirstNations@screenaustralia.gov.auFree call: 1800 507 901
More Information

Applications must be submitted at least six weeks before funds are required.

Apply now

Up to $20,000 may be requested (other than in exceptional circumstances), supported by a budget.

The potential intern must:

 

  • meet the general eligibility requirements of Screen Australia’s  Terms of Trade
  • be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australian
  • not have received funding for an internship opportunity more than twice in their career

 

No minimum credits are required, but previous work will be considered in assessing the applicant’s commitment to screen storytelling as a career.

 

 

For full eligibility information, please refer to the attached guideline documents.

Applications can be made at any time via the Application Portal. Applications must be submitted at least six weeks before funds are needed, as Screen Australia does not fund retrospectively.

 

However, please note that the turnaround time for application decisions is approximately four to six weeks and that Screen Australia does not provide funds retrospectively. Your application must therefore be made at least six weeks before funds are required.

 

For full details on the application process, including the terms of funding, please refer to the attached guidelines.

Applications are assessed by Screen Australia executives, with industry specialists consulted as required. Screen Australia will notify applicants in writing of the outcome of their application. Where an application is declined, the applicant will be provided feedback.

 

Funding decisions will be made against the following criteria:

 

  • the applicant’s potential and their commitment to a career in the screen industry, as evidenced by previous work
  • the quality of the mentor/organisation and level of access the applicant will have to them
  • the quality of the proposed program the applicant and mentor have negotiated
  • the program’s strategic benefit = to the applicant at this stage of their career.

 

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

Downloads

First Nations Funding Guidelines

Download Document