Up to $500,000 to support emerging Western Australian filmmakers directing their first feature documentary for theatrical release, streaming, or broadcast, helping realise their creative vision.
Current status of program
Opening Soon
Applications will open in July 2025.
To register your interest in seeking our assistance with applying, please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the West Coast Visions – Documentary?
The West Coast Visions initiative is a prestigious Screenwest program designed to uncover, inspire, and support emerging Western Australian documentary filmmakers. This competitive grant provides substantial funding to assist a first-time WA feature documentary director in realising their debut theatrically-released or streaming/broadcast documentary feature.
This program not only aims to showcase unique Western Australian voices and stories but also promotes diversity and inclusive storytelling, with a strong encouragement for First Nations Australians and historically under-represented communities to apply.
West Coast Visions – Documentary level of support
- Minimum funding: Not specified.
- Maximum funding: Up to $500,000 per project.
- Funding type: Grant funding.
Co-contribution requirement: Yes. Applicants must demonstrate a feasible finance plan; however, no specific percentage of co-contribution is mandated in the guidelines. Notably, a minimum budget allocation of $10,000 must be included for a Mentor, to address skills gaps in consultation with Screenwest.
This grant contributes towards the Screenwest production funding caps as outlined in the organisation’s Terms of Trade.
West Coast Visions – Documentary important dates
- Applications will open: July 2025
- Notification of outcome: Within 8–10 weeks of round closure.
- Production start: Must begin within 12 months of approval.
- Greenlight deadline: Projects must be greenlit within 12 months, or the funding will lapse.
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
West Coast Visions – Documentary objectives
The key objectives of this initiative are to:
- Support the first feature documentary from Western Australian directors.
- Stimulate the WA screen industry by producing stories that are culturally, geographically, and artistically distinct.
- Promote storytelling from diverse voices and communities, including First Nations Australians, LGBTQIA+ people, people with disability, and regional talent.
- Showcase Western Australian landscapes, characters and stories to national and global audiences.
Projects and expenditure eligible for West Coast Visions – Documentary support
To be eligible for funding, the project must:
- Be a production-ready feature-length documentary.
- Be intended for theatrical release or distribution via Australian TV or streaming platforms.
- Commence principal photography within 12 months of receiving the grant.
- Complete all pre-production and post-production within Western Australia.
- Achieve a minimum of 6 out of 10 points on the West Coast Visions Points Allocation Table, including at least 2 points from the producer and writer.
| Criteria | Points |
| WA Producer(s) | 2 |
| WA ownership of original concept (50%+) | 2 |
| WA Writer(s) (at least 50%) | 1 |
| WA Director of Photography | 1 |
| WA Editor | 1 |
| WA location/setting or central character | 2 |
| Flexible points aligned with Screenwest priorities | 1 |
Ineligible Expenditure: The guidelines do not specify exact ineligible costs but note that all project components must occur within Western Australia, and any non-WA-based crew or contractors must be explicitly approved by Screenwest.
Other West Coast Visions – Documentary important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for West Coast Visions – Documentary support
- Producers or Production Companies must be WA-based residents under Screenwest’s Terms of Trade.
- The team must include:
- A first-time WA feature documentary director (no prior theatrical or ATL feature credit).
- At least one WA producer, officially credited on the project.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
West Coast Visions – Documentary assessment criteria
Eligible applications will be evaluated on the following seven criteria:
- Team – Strength and capability of the producer, director, and key creatives.
- Cultural and Creative Impact – Contribution to Western Australian storytelling, including regional/character-based narratives.
- Directorial Voice – Distinctive storytelling style, as evident in the director’s statement and past work.
- Quality – Depth and originality of the concept, and clarity of the production methodology and finance plan.
- Feasibility – Practicality of producing the film within 12 months, including financing, market readiness, and audience potential.
- Strategic Alignment – Consistency with the priorities outlined in the Screenwest Strategic Plan.
- Diversity – Representation of diverse voices both on-screen and in the production team.
Percentages for weighting criteria are not disclosed.
How do I get the West Coast Visions – Documentary?
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.
- Deliver the project/s as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the West Coast Visions – Documentary application
Before applying, applicants should prepare:
- A fully scoped production-ready project proposal.
- Director’s statement and samples of previous work.
- Budget including the $10,000 mentor allocation.
- Point allocation table completed with WA residency justifications.
- Letters confirming rights to the project.
- Finance plan and proposed production schedule.
- Consultation and engagement plan (for First Nations or culturally significant content).
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the West Coast Visions – Documentary
The application is a two-stage process:
Stage One – Submit your application via SmartyGrants.
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- Applications can be previewed or downloaded before submission.
- Contact the Program Manager if accessibility assistance is needed.
Stage Two – Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview with an assessment panel.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
West Coast Visions – Documentary resources
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