Search Grants & Funding

The Short to Feature Fast Track Initiative combines funding for the production of a short film or proof of concept, as well as script development funds for a low budget feature film. 

The aim of this initiative is for emerging to mid-level NSW creative teams with fresh voices to have an opportunity to create a short film or proof of concept alongside script development funding on a feature film to accelerate the project towards financing and production. The feature film script does not have to be the same story or a long version of the short film but should be connected, for example, by creative voice, genre, tone or stylistic approach.  

The formats can include live action and animation for both the short/proof of concept and feature. All drama genres are eligible. There is no restriction on subject matter or style, but Screen NSW is looking for scripts that are compelling, distinctive and have a strong sense of their audience. 

The initiative will identify and track fresh NSW filmmaking talent and invest in developing and establishing their strong and distinctive creative voices. Supporting creative teams in producing a short film or proof of concept will act as a calling card for the feature film and armed with an advanced-stage draft of the feature film will enable teams to leverage further development support or marketplace finance.  

The initiative will build networks and relationships between emerging to mid-level creative teams and experienced practitioners, as well as with experienced industry professionals from the distribution sector in order to develop the teams’ understanding and awareness of the intended audience. This initiative will also assist in honing craft skills for both above the line and below the line practitioners through funding short film production. 

The Industry Development Program provides support for organisations to deliver one-off or annual professional development and upskilling initiatives to NSW screen and digital games practitioners. These initiatives may include workshops, masterclasses, forums, labs and targeted professional development activities.

The purpose of the Industry Development Program is to fund skilled organisations to deliver viable and innovative training opportunities to emerging and mid-year screen and digital games professionals, meet industry needs and promote sustainable sector practices in NSW.

The Industry Development Program will open 2 funding rounds during 2026/27. Applications may be submitted at any time during the relevant funding round dates and must address all assessment criteria. Applications will be assessed within the periods outlined in these guidelines and published on the Screen NSW website.

Round 1 

Round 1 is open to applicants seeking Multi-Year or Single Year funding.

Initiatives funded through successful Round 1 applications must commence between 15 September 2026 and 30 June 2027.

Round 2

Round 2 is open only to applicants seeking Single Year funding.

Initiatives funded through successful Round 2 applications must commence between 15 April 2027 and 13 September 2027.

The Screen NSW Production Fund invests in NSW production companies, NSW screen projects and NSW creatives to produce or post produce in NSW – feature films, longform adult and children’s drama series; factual and documentary television or online, animation and interactive online screen entertainment. 

Screen NSW supports a diverse slate of culturally relevant, distinctive, high quality, original screen storytelling that resonates with local and global audiences and delivers exceptional cultural impact.

The purpose of funding is to maximise cultural and economic benefits to the state by supporting NSW screen practitioners to create new intellectual property that assists them to realise commercially sustainable businesses and grow the NSW screen sector.

The objectives of the Program are to fund exceptional quality, diverse and engaging fiction and non-fiction screen content that will:

• Generate employment and economic activity for NSW
• Make a contribution to Australian culture and storytelling, nationally and internationally
• Grow the number and size of NSW production companies and provide increased opportunities for NSW key creatives
• Meet the objectives of Screen NSW‘s diversity commitment.

The NSW Government is offering a 10 per cent rebate for eligible digital games. Games must have a Qualifying NSW Expenditure of at least $500,000 to be eligible.

An eligible project must commit at the time of application to qualifying expenditure of at least AU$500,000 on the project in NSW. The spend may occur over several years. Multiple projects cannot be bundled to achieve the AU$500,000 threshold. A major update of an existing game is eligible if it meets the $500,000 threshold.

Qualifying NSW games expenditure must be on activities carried out in NSW related to production of the launch version of the game. The pre-development stage, being activities that are usually undertaken with the aim of determining whether a digital game is commercially feasible, is excluded.

Eligible games for the Rebate include:

• Games for entertainment and serious games
• Games for any platform including console, desktop, tablet, mobile, VR/AR
• Multi-player and single-player games.

Games must generally be intended for public release.

An applicant must submit an application with Screen NSW prior to the commencement of any eligible work for which the Rebate is sought. If production has already commenced on the project, only work carried out on or after the date of application will be eligible for the Rebate.