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Australian short film production crew filming a narrative scene on location

Screen Australia – Narrative Content Short Film Production

  • Live action short films: Funding from $50,000 to $100,000.
  • Animated short films: Funding from $50,000 to $125,000.
  • Hybrid live action and animation short films: Funding from $50,000 to $125,000.
  • Minimum funding request: $50,000.
  • Production budget must not exceed $175,000.
  • Matched funding: Not required. Additional funding sources may be used where available.
  • Applications close: March 18 2027

 

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The Narrative Content Short Film Production Funding Program supports Australian creative teams to produce live action, animated, or hybrid narrative short films intended primarily for theatrical festival exhibition. The program aims to support distinctive Australian storytelling, encourage projects that reflect the diversity of Australian experiences, and help develop creative talent with strong pathways to local and international audiences.

Key Requirements

  • Develop Australian Narrative Short Films
    • Support high-quality Australian live action, animated and hybrid narrative short films intended for theatrical festival audiences.
  • Demonstrate Strong Storytelling
    • Projects must present a distinctive, engaging and well-crafted narrative with strong creative merit and audience potential.
  • Support Diverse Australian Stories
    • Projects should contribute to the breadth and diversity of Australian storytelling and experiences.
  • Build Creative Careers
    • Applications should demonstrate how the project will help advance the careers of the creative team and support future development opportunities.
  • Festival Pathway
    • Films must be intended for a first and primary window of theatrical festival exhibition.
  • Project Feasibility
    • Applicants must demonstrate the ability to successfully deliver the project within the proposed budget and methodology.

 

What is eligible for funding?

Funding may support:

  • Production of live action narrative short films.
  • Production of animated narrative short films.
  • Production of hybrid live action and animated narrative short films.
  • Pre-production activities.
  • Production activities.
  • Post-production activities.
  • Marketing asset development.
  • Audience testing activities where included in project strategy.
  • Festival delivery requirements.
  • Closed captioning and audio description costs.
  • National Film and Sound Archive delivery requirements.

What companies are eligible for funding?

Eligible applicants include:

  • Australian incorporated companies carrying on business in Australia with central management and control located in Australia.
  • Australian citizens.
  • Australian permanent residents.
  • Sole traders applying on behalf of an eligible creative team.
  • Teams consisting of a director, writer, producer and, where applicable, an animator.

Additional considerations:

  • Applicants must hold an ABN.
  • Applicants must control the rights required to undertake the project.
  • Applicants must be GST registered where legally required.
  • Successful individual applicants must incorporate a company before contracting.
  • Projects must have a director, writer, producer and, where applicable, animator attached.
  • Projects must be developed by Australian creatives.
  • Projects must be 15 minutes or less, including credits.
  • Production budgets must be below $175,000.

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 a professional government grant writer consultant. Avant Group is Australia’s largest independent grants advisory firm. Find out more about our government grant writing and consulting service here. 

How can I get help understanding if I’m eligible for this grant? 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.