Skip Ahead
Screen Australia
Funding
Up To $130,000
Deadline
30 April 2026
Location
Australia, AUS
Entry Fee
Free
Viewed 1 time
About
Up to $130,000 AUD in funding and a 3-day workshop for Australian YouTube creators to develop original documentary or scripted narrative projects.
Skip Ahead is a joint initiative of Screen Australia and YouTube Australia. The program supports Australian YouTube content creators in developing their skills and working towards sustainable careers by funding original Australian documentary or scripted narrative content. What's Provided: Funding: Up to five projects will be funded, with up to $130,000 AUD (approx. $141,000 NZD) available per project. Workshop: Successful applicants will receive financial support to participate in a mandatory three-day in-person workshop in Sydney (July 28 - 30, 2026). For team members outside Greater Sydney, domestic travel, accommodation, and stipend support will be provided (max three team members per project). Applicant Eligibility: Applicants must be an incorporated company carrying on business in Australia (or an eligible individual/sole trader who will incorporate if successful). You must be the original content creator or team responsible for one of the following: A current YouTube channel with at least 25,000 subscribers; OR A maximum of two current YouTube channels with a combined subscriber base of 40,000; OR A YouTube video that has achieved a minimum of 1 million views on a channel with at least 10,000 subscribers. Project Eligibility: Must be a scripted narrative project of any genre or a documentary. Intended to be uploaded to YouTube and/or YouTube Kids. Must not be a ‘How to...’, lifestyle program, reality show, or advertorial. The creators must maintain and retain control of self-distributing the work on YouTube for a minimum of 5 years. Application Requirements: Applicants must apply through Screen Australia’s application portal and provide: A downloadable pitch video (up to 3 minutes). A written pitch document (up to 4 pages) detailing channel analytics, project description, audience development strategy, and episode outlines. A box production schedule and summary production budget. (If applicable) A consultation plan and letters of consent for projects involving First Nations community participation or content.