Key information
- Status: Closed
- Grant amount: $0 – $1,000,000
- Application opened: 28 April 2025
- Application closed: 22 May 2025, 5:00 pm
Program objective
The purpose of the program is to attract and create a pipeline of high-end feature film and television drama production in NSW, build on the success of previous investments and create opportunities for production companies to finance their projects with international partners to find new audiences, both within Australia and internationally.
The program will also support the sustainable employment of cast and crew in NSW by creating high value jobs whilst contributing significantly to the NSW economy.
The fund will support feature film and television drama projects by Australian companies that have the potential to travel internationally and reach new audiences.
In the case of TV drama productions, projects will have the capacity to premiere on digital platforms and play to large audiences via traditional media outlets. They will be must-see, event TV with the potential for returning series and air in a prime-time slot on Australian TV - either free-to-air or via subscription channels and online platforms.
This program is administered by Screen NSW.
Eligibility
Who can apply
Please see the Screen NSW website for the full Program Guidelines.
The applicant must:
- Fulfil one of the following:
- Be an Australian company based in NSW and actively operating in NSW for at least six months prior to the funding application, or
- Be an Australian company not based in NSW in a genuine co-production arrangement with a NSW production company and/or the project is created by a NSW creative or is substantially driven by NSW key creatives, or
- Be a non-NSW based Australian Company, meeting at least a minimum level of NSW spend of 80% of total production costs.
- Have at least one NSW based Key Creative; and
- Be compliant with our Terms of Trade, and
- Maintain ownership or control of the rights necessary (or have shared ownership and/or joint control of copyright under a co-production arrangement) to carry out the project that is the subject of the application (including having ownership or control of any relevant copyright and appropriate clearances from all significant participants).
Types of projects funded under this grant
The project must:
- Have Significant Australian Content (SAC). SAC is evidenced by a Provisional Producer Offset Certificate or official co-production certification. For more details on the SAC test see here
- Be fully financed at the time of application (other than the contribution from Screen NSW, or contributions that are being considered concurrently by other similar State or Federal agencies)
- Have not commenced pre-production prior to the date of application
- Be genuinely footloose.
What your application needs to include
Prepare your application with this checklist
Familiarise yourself with the requirements set out in these guidelines and determine if you are eligible.
If you consider your production to be eligible, or require further clarification on eligibility, contact Screen NSW at investment@screen.nsw.gov.au to discuss your application in further detail. Made in NSW - TV Drama is run in parallel with the Production Finance rounds. Please see here to see dates for upcoming rounds.
Complete and submit your Application via the SmartyGrants portal.
As part of your application, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Completed SmartyGrants application.
- A copy of the project finance plan:
- If the finance plan for a project includes Screen Australia finance, evidence that Screen Australia is concurrently considering the project for finance, or Screen Australia’s finance has already been confirmed.
- Written evidence that reflects the proposed finance plan by way of signed Deal Memos/Letters of Offer/Short or Long Form Agreements that need to specify the commercial terms and the level of financial commitment to the project.
- If the finance plan includes finance from overseas, then the producer must provide Screen NSW with written assurances about how they will deal with any currency fluctuations.
- For projects accessing the Producer Offset, a copy of the Provisional Certificate for the Producer Offset or a copy of the completed application form for the Producer Offset and distribution and broadcast agreements that meet the criteria for public exhibition in relation to the Producer Offset,
- If the application is based on an underlying work, evidence that an appropriate option is in place and current.
- Evidence that allowances for production attachments within the production budget.
- Other documents as outlined in Annexure A.
Please note these guidelines should be read in conjunction with the application form which provides details of requested supporting documentation.
Acknowledgement of receipt of application will be via return email.
Address the eligibility criteria
Each applicant, as part of an application response, must confirm that they meet the eligibility criteria.
Applicants that do not address the eligibility criteria in full may be excluded from the application process at the department's discretion.
After the application is submitted
Successful applications will be decided by: Secretary, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport, or their financial delegate
Stage 1
Eligible applications will be assigned to a Screen Investment Manager to undertake an assessment against the Assessment Criteria and present the project to the Screen Investment Committee. The Screen Investment Committee is comprised of the Screen Investment Team, the Senior Screen Investment Manager, and the Head of Screen NSW. An independent probity advisor may also be engaged to attend meetings as appropriate.
Where considered appropriate, the Screen Investment Team may seek external industry specialists to undertake assessments or provide external reports to help inform decision-making. For example, where a project has elements that require the consideration of diversity, Screen NSW may seek advice from an independent expert.
Projects requiring a First Nations assessment will be assessed with reference to Screen Australia’s Pathways & Protocols: a filmmaker’s guide to working with Indigenous people, culture and concepts (https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/about-us/doing-business-with-us/indigenous-content/indigenous-protocols) by an external First Nations consultant
The Screen Investment Committee will shortlist projects for progression to Stage 2 of the assessment process based on outcomes of this assessment.
Stage 2
Shortlisted applications will be considered by the Film and Television Advisory Committee (FTIAC) at the next available meeting. Details on the membership of the FTIAC are available here, and meetings dates are published here.
The FTIAC will consider all applications shortlisted by the Screen Investment Committee, including any external reports prepared, and the available budget.
They will consider the assessment criteria, distribution, range and scale of the applications. This may include prioritising applications and activities with outcomes that better meet the Program objectives or address and ensure equity and the best outcomes for NSW Government investment.
The FTIAC may also recommend a funding amount that is less than that requested in the application.
Decision Making
Screen NSW will provide the FTIAC’s advice and recommendations to the Secretary of the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport or their delegate for final consideration and approval.
Support and contact
Screen NSW Investment Team - investment@screen.nsw.gov.au