​INDIEBLOCK
SCREEN AUSTRALIA
Screen Australia is the Australian Federal Government's key funding body for the Australian screen production industry.
There are two major programs filmmakers can apply to for feature film financial support. These are either Screen Australia's Development funding program, or their production funding program. Applications for either can be for any amount up to $50,000.
Criteria Screen Australia require can include some of the below:
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An industry-standard script of 90-120 pages, or a 5-20 page treatment plus the first five pages of the script (also presented in the industry standard format).
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Screen Australia generally requires the commitment of an experienced producer as part of the team (and that the application should be applied through them). An experienced producer is classifed as someone who has had at least one credit as producer on a feature film which has been released on a minimum of five commercial screens in one territory, OR has had their work aired on a primetime broadcast drama miniseries or telemovie on the filmmakers team*.
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IF the team does not have an experienced producer, Screen Australia MAY consider the application if there is a 'proven' writer or director meaning they must have credits in either a feature that has been selected for Cannes, Venice, Berlin, Sundance or Toronto or has received an Academy Award® nomination, OR at least two credits in these roles on features released on a minimum of five commercial screens in one territory, or primetime broadcast miniseries or telemovies, OR credits in these roles for at least six broadcast hours of primetime series (not serials)*.
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The type of projects Screen Australia are interested in funding should have a strong concept, a unique story/narrative, high quality in writing, discuss character development and discuss turning points and issues characters face and how they overcome them, a strategic target audience, an appropriate budget and a succesful reputation of team members invovled (e.g. the producer, writer and director).
Access to Screen Australia’s development funds is increasingly competitive, therefore two consecutive unsuccessful applications will make the project ineligible for the Screen Australia funding program.
Their aim is to create an
Australian film industry that is
innovative,
culturally important
and commercially sustainable.
In order to receive funding from Screen Australia for a feature film production, strict guidelines must be adhered to with an in depth application process. Many aspiring filmmakers may not make it far in terms of receiving funding.
Therefore we discuss other options such as Crowdfunding possibilities for independent filmmakers.
Screen Australia provide a list of suggestions for starting off screen practitioners which include recommendatins such as:
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Receiving training from universities
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Getting hands on experience
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Networking with others.
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Applying for film festivals
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Applying for film competitions
Screen Australia's Talent Esclator Programs for Short Films
Screen Australia funds and supports short film production through its Talent Escalator programs which are is an easier process for aspiring filmmakers. The limiations of course, is that this is an application for a short film, and not a feature film.
Example of potential programs under the Talent Esclator Program include:
Springboard is designed for filmmakers who have significant short drama experience and are readying themselves to make their first feature film.
Hot Shots proposes to fully fund the production of three short drama films yearly, each up to a maximum of eight minutes including credits, with a budget of up to $70,000. This program is aimed at filmmakers who want to further develop their skills in regards to a short drama. However they still require a producer, writer or director with atleast one credit as part of the team.
The Director's Acclaim Fund provides support for the next stage of professional development for short drama film directors or writer/directors whose short has received significant recent acclaim.
If your film has been previously selected as part of the Talent Esclator's Programs, Screen Australia will be more likely to review your funding application for a feature film.
Written by Tiffany Tan
Industry advice for starting out screen practioners:
http://www.film.vic.gov.au/industry/information-for-emerging-practitioners