Film Funding

Are you ready to bring your feature film dream to life in Australia? Great news – there are plenty of funding bodies and programs out there to help make it happen!

First up, let’s talk about Screen Australia. This organization offers a range of funding opportunities, including development funding to help filmmakers take their projects from concept to screenplay stage. Trust us, this is an important step – no one wants to see a poorly developed movie (although they can be entertaining in their own right).

Screen Australia Funding Stages

Screen Australia provides development funding to support the development of feature film, television, and online projects. The development funding is intended to help writers, directors, and producers take their projects from an initial concept through to a polished script and package that is ready to be presented to investors and broadcasters.

The funding is provided in two stages:

  1. The first stage is known as “Option and Development” funding, which is intended to help cover the costs associated with researching and writing a script, as well as developing the project’s concept and treatment.
  2. The second stage is called “Advanced Development” funding, which is intended to help cover the costs associated with taking a project through to a completed script, as well as packaging the project with a cast, director, and other key creatives.

Screen Australia’s development funding is provided on a competitive basis, and applications are assessed based on the quality and potential of the project, as well as the experience and track record of the applicant.

Producer’s Offset

Another option is the producer’s offset, which offers a rebate of up to 40% of the film’s budget to eligible Australian films. To qualify, your film must have a budget of at least $500,000 and pass a cultural test demonstrating its Australian content. That’s a lot of money that can go towards paying off those pesky bills and keeping your crew happy (and fed).

To be eligible for the offset, a project must meet certain Australian content requirements, such as having a significant proportion of the cast and crew being Australian, and the story and themes must be distinctly Australian. The project also needs to pass a cultural test, which is designed to ensure that the content has cultural and creative merit.

The Producers offset is claimed after the project is completed and have met the necessary requirements, certain documentation needs to be prepared and submitted to claim the offset which includes audited financial statements, receipts, and other information.

General Funding

In addition to the Producers Offset and development funding, Screen Australia also provides general funding to support the production of feature films, television dramas, and documentaries. This funding is provided on a competitive basis, and applications are assessed based on the quality and potential of the project, as well as the experience and track record of the applicant.

There are different rounds of funding and different guidelines for each type of projects, for example for feature films, Screen Australia has various rounds for production funding and also has different guidelines for low, medium and high budget films.

General funding can help cover a range of expenses, including development costs, production costs, and marketing and distribution expenses.

State Funding

But wait, there’s more! In addition to these national programs, there are also state-based funding bodies such as Screen NSW and Screen QLD. These organizations offer their own funding programs and can be a great way to access additional support for your film. And if you’ve got at least three screen credits under your belt, you may be eligible for the general funding program, which provides support for the development, production, and marketing of eligible films. Cha-ching!

Another option to consider is the general funding program, which is open to filmmakers with at least three screen credits. This program provides support for the development, production, and marketing of eligible films, and can be a great way to take your project to the next level.

It is important to note that these are general information, the program is subject to changes and it would be best to refer to the Screen Australia’s website for the most current information and guidelines.

Beyond Screen Australia

In addition to these government-funded options, there are also grant programs available to support filmmakers. One such program is the Export Market Development Grant (EMDG), which provides financial assistance to Australian businesses looking to enter international markets. This can be especially useful for filmmakers looking to promote their films at international film festivals and markets.

The Next Step

Feeling overwhelmed by all of these options? No problem – you can always partner with a production company like Resonant Blue Studios. We specialize in getting films made and then getting them seen by audiences around the world. Plus, we’re always looking for new projects to add to our slate and regularly attend international markets to promote films and find new audiences. What’s not to love?

So don’t let funding stress you out. Take a deep breath and dive into the world of film funding in Australia. With a bit of research and careful planning, you’ll be well on your way to bringing your film to the big screen. And remember, if all else fails, you can always fall back on that trusty old standby: a Kickstarter campaign. Good luck and happy filmmaking!