Applications Open for Scripted Development Investment Funding in Australia

Deadline: 20-Feb-23

Screenwest has opened applications for the third Scripted Development Investment funding round for the 2022-23 financial year.

Scripted Development Investment Funding provides concept development (Stage One) and project development (Stage Two) funding to emerging and experienced Western Australian practitioners who are creating scripted content for all delivery platforms (including theatrical).

Successful applicants will work toward delivering quality, distinctive projects that can reach their target audience and attract further investment and/or market interest.

Stages

• Concept Development (Stage One)
  • To develop early-stage concepts into materials that can be presented to a third party (e.g., producer, director, lead cast, market partner) for further development.
  • Stage One is open to all practitioners who meet the eligibility criteria.
  • Funds may be used for the following types of activities:
    • Work with script editors and/or brainstorm sessions to create pitch documents and mini bibles.
    • Create sizzle reels.
    • Develop a pitch into a feature length treatment.
    • Write a first draft screenplay.
• Project Development (Stage Two)
  • To develop projects that has an already-existing pitch/bible, treatment or screenplay.
  • Stage Two is open to all practitioners who meet the eligibility criteria.
  • Requires an already-developed concept, funds may be used for the following types of activities:
    • Work with writers’ room and/or brainstorming sessions to create series pilot drafts or full series bibles.
    • Work with casting agents to attach talent.
    • Work with executive producers to secure market partner development/investment.
    • Write a new draft of a feature length screenplay.
    • Other activities necessary to advance the project.

Funding Information

• Concept Development (Stage One)
  • Up to $10,000 per application, per project.
• Project Development (Stage Two)
  • Series
    • Up to $20,000 per application.
    • Max cap per project: $30,000 (Stage One and Stage Two combined).
  • Feature Length
    • Up to $20,000 per application. Feature length projects may apply for up to two intakes of project development funding within a twelve-month period.
    • Max cap per project: $50,000 (Stage One and Stage Two combined).
• Funding is not automatic, even if an applicant can demonstrate they meet all the assessment criteria.
• Screenwest may approve funding less than the requested amount, as guided by the recommendations made during the assessment process and the total demand on available funds.

Project Eligibility

• The project must be either a scripted series or scripted feature length project.
• The project must be destined for broadcast/distribution to an Australian audience as a project of ambition.
• The project must not apply for Stage Two feature length funding if it has already been through the previous Feature Film Development Track initiative.
• If included on a company’s development slate as part of previous Slate Development Investment funding, it is still eligible to apply, but only at Stage Two – Project Development.
• If it has been previously unsuccessful or removed from any track intake (e.g., Feature Film Development Track or Small Screen) during any milestone/assessment phase, it cannot be resubmitted for assessment unless it has been substantially and satisfactorily changed, developed or reworked since its last official assessment. If this is the case, a document should be included, highlighting the specific changes. If a resubmitted project application has not changed substantially, it may not be accepted.
• Projects with evidence of marketplace interest or with an already established audience base will be more competitive and therefore prioritised.
• Stage One funding does not automatically guarantee Stage Two funding.
• If applying for Stage Two funding after having received Stage One funding will need to demonstrate significant development and progression in their application materials.
• In exceptional circumstances, further Stage Two funding of up to $20,000 may be available to projects (series) of ambition that can demonstrate significant progress and potential interest but that require additional financial support to achieve a market-ready package. Such funding will be available on a one-time basis within eighteen months of the execution date of the original Stage Two Development Investment Agreement (DIA). Please contact Screenwest directly to discuss eligibility and application requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

• To be considered eligible for this program, the below general minimum eligibility applies
• The applicant / company must:
  • Meet the general eligibility requirements as set out in the Screenwest Terms of Trade.
  • Be a Western Australian resident key creative or Production Company as defined in the Screenwest Terms of Trade. Non-Western Australian applicant Producers/Production Companies will only be considered where they can demonstrate they will bring significant cultural and/or economic benefits to Western Australia. Control the underlying rights to the project at the time of application. Screenwest development funding cannot be used to purchase options or rights to a project.
  • Apply for either Stage One or Stage Two.
  • Not apply with the same project for the same stage more than once (excluding Stage Two Feature Length).
• Additionally, for Stage Two:
  • The applicant / company must:
    • Include at least one individual among the creative team (EP, producer, director, writer) who has a commercially distributed/released feature, series or equivalent credit in the last 5 years; OR
    • Supply demonstrated market interest in the project; OR
    • Have successfully delivered and fully acquitted a Stage One project.

For more information, visit Screenwest.