COVID-19 resource directory for the screen sector
Screen Australia has collated the below information for the local screen sector. It was last updated 18 May 2021.
The Australian Government is providing a range of support programs and advice to respond to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Screen Australia is working with the Australian Government, industry, and all state and territory screen agencies to understand and address screen sector issues.
This webpage provides links to the Australian Government financial assistance currently available, and answers common questions related to Screen Australia and the Producer Offset.
Screen Australia encourages all individuals and businesses to consider all support that may be available to them.
Screen Australia is fully operational. Please see below for further information on Screen Australia funding programs, including those involving international travel.
Please ensure you receive our newsletter for updates.
CRITICAL INFORMATION
The first priority is your health and safety.
The Australian Government provides key information on COVID-19:
- via this website
- via the National Coronavirus and COVID-19 Vaccine Helpline: 1800 020 080 (24 hours, 7 days)
If you’re trying to improve your own mental health, or support somebody else with mental health issues, please visit Head to Health.
You can also contact Support Act, which provides a free, confidential 24/7 Wellbeing Helpline service available to anyone working in the Australian creative industries, including film and television. This service has been expanded from the music and theatre industries and has been supported by funding provided by the Australian Government through the Office for the Arts. It can be accessed by calling 1800 959 500 or via email. Find more information about Support Act’s Wellbeing Helpline here
SCREEN PRODUCTION
It is critical that productions seek their own professional advice on a range of issues, including obligations and insurances.
COVID-SAFE GUIDELINES
COVID-Safe Guidelines have been developed for all practitioners by an Australian Screen Sector Task Force. You can access the guidelines and more information here
TEMPORARY INTERRUPTION FUND (TIF)
Screen Australia administers the TIF, which provides assistance for new local productions which have been unable to start production due to production insurance exclusions relating to COVID-19. Screen Australia welcomes the Australian Government’s announcement that the TIF will be extended to provide coverage for productions that commence principal photography prior to 31 December 2021. You can access more information, including eligibility requirements, here
Supporting cinemas’ retention endurance and enhancement of neighbourhoods (screen) fund
Screen Australia welcomes the Australian Government’s announcement of the SCREEN Fund. Screen Australia is administering the fund, which aims to support independent cinema operators who have experienced significant declines in revenue due to COVID-19. You can access more information, including eligibility requirements, or apply, here
FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM GOVERNMENT
The Australian Government has published information online regarding financial support available to Australians. Information includes both:
- measures that were introduced in the wake of COVID-19
- other measures unrelated to COVID-19
For information regarding taxation in addition to the links below, including help with paying tax and additional support, visit The Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) webpage here
Financial support for individuals
Information regarding financial support from the Australian Government for individuals is available on the following webpages:
Financial support for businesses AND NOT-FOR-PROFITS
Information regarding financial support from the Australian Government for businesses and not-for-profits is available on the following webpages:
Businesses can call 13 28 46 for assistance, and subscribe to the business.gov.au newsletter here
STATE AND TERRITORY ASSISTANCE
There may be further assistance available from your state and territory government and/or your local government and councils.
A list of local screen agencies is included at the end of this page.
SCREEN AUSTRALIA
Screen Australia is fully operational.
Our list of contacts is available here, or you can reach out to us on 1800 213 099. If you have a project that has been funded, please contact your funding manager.
WHICH PROGRAMS STILL OFFER FUNDING?
Most funding programs, including Development and Production funding, are continuing to take applications as normal.
Funding programs that might involve travel to overseas destinations are still being restricted by conditions in those countries and Australian Government directions. Many events are continuing via online or hybrid formats.
Funding for travel to overseas placements, festivals, markets and workshops has been suspended.
Make sure you receive the latest funding information by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on social media.
HAS SCREEN AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCED ANY SPECIFIC COVID-19 FUNDING?
Full details for funding and support are available here, and details for COVID-19 support are available here
Make sure you receive the latest funding information by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on social media.
THE PRODUCER OFFSET
Screen Australia administers the Producer Offset on behalf of the Australian Government. The Producer Offset and the rules governing its operation are enshrined in legislation.
On 30 September 2020 the Australian Government announced proposed changes to the Producer Offset, which will come into effect for productions commencing principal photography on or after 1 July 2021. A further announcement was made on 11 April 2021.
You can find more information on the Producer Offset and the proposed amendments here
Queries regarding the Location Offset, or Post, Digital and Visual Effects Offset can contact the Office for the Arts here
For any further general queries contact POCU.
TRAVEL
Information on international travel, as well as links to relevant state and territory government information, is available here
This may impact both local and foreign productions.
CONTACTS
Screen Australia has created a Facebook group where industry can connect, join here
The Screen Australia newsletter remains the agency’s primary means to communicate funding opportunities to the sector.
STATE AND TERRITORY SCREEN AGENCIES
INDUSTRY ORGANISATIONS
QUESTIONS
If you have a question that you would like answered, and/or a suggested addition for this page, please email Info.
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