COVID-19 resource directory for the screen sector
Screen Australia has collated the below information for the local screen sector. It was last updated 17 December 2020.
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, with only funding for international travel programs not being processed at this time.
Please ensure you receive our newsletter for updates. See below for further information on Screen Australia funding.
CRITICAL INFORMATION
The first priority is your health and safety.
The Australian Government provides key information on the COVID-19 Coronavirus:
- via this website
- via the National Coronavirus 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 has expanded its Wellbeing Helpline beyond the music and theatre industries to now incorporate all artists and arts workers across Australia. This expansion has been supported by $10 million in funding provided by the Australian Government through the Office for the Arts. The free, confidential service is available 24/7, and is staffed by professional clinicians familiar with issues faced by people working in music and 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
Some screen productions have resumed. 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 welcomes the Government’s announcement of the TIF, which is administered by Screen Australia. The TIF provides assistance for new local productions which have been unable to start production due to production insurance exclusions relating to COVID-19. You can access more information, including eligibility requirements, 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
- additional, extended or amended measures announced in the 2020/21 Budget.
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 document.
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 for travel to overseas 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?
Please visit the top of this page for links to recent announcements, including funding announcements.
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.
HOW DO I DELIVER MY PROJECT TO SCREEN AUSTRALIA?
Funding often includes an instalment on delivery to Screen Australia. We are now accepting delivery in the Sydney Office. For more information, please contact Deliverables.
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.
You can find more information on the Producer Offset and the proposed amendments here, and information on the current assessment timeframes here
Queries regarding the Location Offset or PDV Offset can contact the Office for the Arts here
For any further general queries contact POCU.
TRAVEL
Travel is currently severely restricted, including within Australia. This will impact both local and foreign productions.
Information on international travel, including restrictions and travel back to Australia, is available here
Further information for travellers is available here
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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