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First Nations Short Film Program – Script Development Initiative

First Nations Short Film Program – Script Development Initiative

  • Program commencement: July 2026
  • Phase 1 participants: Up to five script projects supported
  • Phase 2 participants: Up to two projects may progress to production support
  • Phase 2 production funding: Up to $45,000 per project

The First Nations Short Film Program – Script Development Initiative is a professional development program delivered by the South Australian Film Corporation in partnership with The Mercury. The initiative supports South Australian First Nations writers to develop original scripted short film concepts into polished production-ready screenplays through workshops, mentoring, script development support and industry networking opportunities. Successful participants in Phase 1 become eligible to apply for the Production Initiative (Phase 2).

Key Requirements

  • Writer must identify as First Nations.
  • Writer must be based in South Australia.
  • Writer must own or control the rights to the project.
  • Writer must be available to attend workshops, mentoring sessions and all program activities.
  • Projects must be scripted short films only.
  • Projects including First Nations languages are encouraged.
  • Priority will be given to projects involving First Nations producers.

What is eligible for funding?

  • Original scripted short film concepts.
  • Short films approximately 7–10 minutes in length.
  • Script development from concept through to polished draft.
  • Participation in script workshops, mentoring and professional development activities.
  • Projects featuring South Australian First Nations stories, voices and perspectives.

What companies are eligible for funding?

  • South Australian First Nations writers.
  • Emerging, early‑career or established First Nations storytellers.
  • Writers who own or control rights to the proposed work.

For later production funding, applicants must apply as a team consisting of a writer, director and producer.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging an accredited government grants consultant, such as Avant Group.

Competitive grants often require significant business case development and project analysis to support the application, this may include detailed presentations supporting the project’s merit, projected sales, cost-benefit analysis and more.

As part of your engagement with Avant Group, your account manager will assess the required documents and will provide the following as needed to support your grant submission.

Grant application writeup including a detailed presentation illustrating how the grant funding will contribute to your project, how the funding will contribute to the project’s budget, a project milestone plan, delivery timeline, impact on employment if applicable and a breakdown of the management and leadership team for the project

  • Industry analysis presentation
  • Competitor Analysis Presentation
  • Marketing and Sales Analysis Presentation
  • 3-5 year Cashflow Forecast
  • 3-5 year Balance Sheet Forecast
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis of Grant Funding
  • End-to-end grant application including information collating, analysis and application writing
  • CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) cost-benefit analysis
  • Stakeholder relations and Risk Mitigation Plans
  • Any other relevant forecasting that will support your application

How can I get help with my application? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.