Narrative Content Development

Screen Australia’s Narrative Content Development Funding Program supports content makers to develop narrative projects for online/direct-to-audience (inclusive of VR/AR/XR), television, and theatrical feature film platforms. Funding Details: Applicants may apply for any amount between $10,000 and $75,000 AUD (approx. $10,800 – $81,000 NZD) per application. Funding is provided as a grant, repayable to Screen Australia if the project goes into production. Direct-to-Audience & TV: Eligible for up to 2 tranches of funding, totalling up to $150,000 AUD (approx. $162,000 NZD). Theatrical Feature Film: Eligible for up to 3 tranches, totalling up to $225,000 AUD (approx. $243,000 NZD). (Note: Projects with third-party matched market co-funding may be eligible for a 4th tranche up to $300,000 AUD). Eligibility Requirements: Applicants: Must be an incorporated company in Australia, or an individual who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Track Record: Applicants must have some experience developing work for the screen sector and for the specific platform applied for. (If no credits exist for that platform, a writing sample for that platform is required). Project Constraints: The project production budget must not exceed $30,000,000 AUD. The project must be primarily produced in Australia. Ineligible Projects: Non-narrative projects (documentary, factual, reality), projects with a primary window outside of the accepted platforms, or projects that have been declined twice by this program. Application Requirements: Applications can be submitted at any time via Screen Australia’s SmartyGrants portal. You will be required to provide: A story development plan, project plan, and (where applicable) a diversity, equity, and inclusion plan. A story document (e.g., outline, treatment, mini-bible, or draft script). A writing sample (if the applicant lacks platform-specific credits). Chain of title documentation demonstrating you control the rights to the project. (If applicable) Documented evidence of third-party funding or co-production agreements.