Up to $300,000 for Western Australian producers in creating feature-length documentaries, factual one-offs, and series with significant marketplace attachments, showcasing local stories, talent, and heritage.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the Screenwest – Documentary Production Fund?
The Screenwest Documentary Production Fund is a vital financial support program designed to aid Western Australian producers in creating feature-length documentaries, factual one-offs, and series with significant marketplace attachments.
This fund is pivotal in ensuring that Western Australia remains a vibrant hub for documentary filmmaking, showcasing local stories, talent, and cultural heritage.
SDPF level of support
The Screenwest Documentary Production Fund offers substantial financial backing with the following specifics:
- Minimum and Maximum Amount of Funding: The fund provides matching cash contributions from legitimate market partners up to a maximum of $300,000 or 25% of the total Qualifying Western Australian Expenditure (QWAE), whichever is less.
Co-contribution Requirement: This fund requires a co-contribution. Screenwest will match the cash funding provided by market partners at a 1:4 ratio, meaning for every $1 provided by Screenwest, $4 must come from the market partner.
Additional Incentives: Additional funding, up to $50,000, may be available for projects that align with Screenwest’s Indigenous and diversity and inclusion objectives.
SDPF important dates
- This program is closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
SDPF objectives
The primary objective of the Screenwest Documentary Production Fund is to support the production of high-quality documentaries that reflect the unique cultural and creative landscape of Western Australia.
The fund prioritises projects that:
- Highlight Western Australian locations, stories, and talent.
- Align with Screenwest’s strategic priorities, including the promotion of Indigenous storytelling, diversity, and inclusion.
- Offer significant cultural and creative benefits to the local community.
Projects and expenditure eligible for SDPF support
The fund is open to a variety of documentary projects, including:
- Feature-Length Documentaries: Full-length films intended for theatrical release or broadcast.
- Factual One-Offs: Single-episode documentaries focusing on factual content.
- Series: Multi-episode documentary series with confirmed marketplace attachments.
- Innovative Projects: Projects utilising new formats such as VR (Virtual Reality), AR (Augmented Reality), or Mixed Reality, provided they meet the documentary definition outlined by ACMA.
While the Screenwest Documentary Production Fund provides extensive support, certain expenditures are not covered, including:
- Costs incurred before the funding approval.
- Retrospective funding for projects already in pre-production or production.
- Payments for deferred salaries or options unless explicitly approved by Screenwest.
- Expenditures that do not meet the Qualifying Western Australian Expenditure (QWAE) requirements.
All projects must have confirmed marketplace attachment from a recognised distributor or platform and must not have commenced pre-production before Screenwest’s funding decision.
See the guidelines for full details of projects and expenditure eligible for SDPF support.
Other SDPF important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for SDPF support
The following entities are eligible to apply for the Screenwest Documentary Production Fund:
- Western Australian Resident Companies: Companies registered and operating in Western Australia.
- Genuine Co-production Partnerships: WA resident companies partnering with non-WA resident companies as defined by Screenwest’s Terms of Trade.
- Official Treaty Co-productions: WA resident companies engaged in Official Treaty Co-productions with non-WA resident companies.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
SDPF assessment criteria
Eligible applications will be rigorously assessed against the following criteria:
- Track Record: The history and achievements of the applicant(s) and key creatives involved in the project.
- Cultural and Creative Benefits: The project’s contribution to Western Australia’s cultural landscape, particularly its alignment with the state’s strategic objectives in storytelling and representation.
- Economic Impact: The extent of Qualifying Western Australian Expenditure (QWAE) and employment opportunities generated for WA-based crew.
- Market Attachments: The strength and viability of the project’s confirmed marketplace attachments.
- Diversity: The overall diversity of the projects and companies funded by Screenwest, with preference for those that emphasise WA talent and locations.
- Supporting Materials: The quality and thoroughness of the project’s supporting materials, including budgets, scripts, and production plans.
- Strategic Alignment: How well the project aligns with Screenwest’s strategic priorities, including Indigenous storytelling and diversity initiatives.
- Availability of Funds: The availability of funds within Screenwest’s budget for the program.
See the guidelines for full details of the assessment criteria.
How do I get the SDPF?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Demonstrate a strong alignment with the fund’s objectives
- Provide complete information requirements.
Other requirements:
- Applicants must be Western Australian resident companies or involved in a Genuine Co-production Partnership or an Official Treaty Co-production relationship with a non-WA resident company.
- Projects must not have entered pre-production or production prior to Screenwest’s funding decision.
- A minimum Qualifying Western Australian Expenditure (QWAE) of $300,000 is required for eligibility.
- Projects must score a minimum of 10 points from the WA Elements Point Allocation Table, which assesses various aspects such as WA-based production roles, locations, and post-production.
See the guidelines for full details of other requirements.
Information to prepare for the SDPF application
Before submitting your application, ensure you have prepared the following:
- Confirmed Marketplace Attachment: Secure a Letter of Offer from a recognised distributor or platform.
- Detailed Budget: A comprehensive budget meeting the QWAE requirements and including any additional funding incentives.
- Project Documentation: Thorough project plans, scripts, and other supporting materials that demonstrate the viability and creative vision of your documentary.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the SDPF
All applications must be submitted through the Screenwest SmartyGrants online portal.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
SDPF resources
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