Short to Feature Fast Track Initiative

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. 

Screen NSW general eligibility requirements can be found in the Screen NSW Terms of Trade which should be read in conjunction with these guidelines.

The producer must have at least one of the following:

• An ‘eligible fiction credit' as a producer, OR
• A credit as a producer on a short fiction project which has received production funding through Screen Australia’s Online or First Nations Department fiction programs.

The director must have at least one of the following:

• An ‘eligible fiction credit' as a director, OR
• A credit as a director on a short fiction project which has received production funding through Screen Australia’s Online or Indigenous Department fiction programs, OR 
• A credit as a director on a narrative television series with a minimum duration of 30 minutes OR 
• A high level of critical acclaim as a director in a related field such as theatre, TV commercials or documentary (i.e., awards, critical reviews, broadcasts, box office, international sales).  

Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis where a director has previously directed a feature film, however the initiative is supporting creatives moving into features so materials must demonstrate a strong case to support, i.e., be a significant genre shift from previous work. 

General Eligibility:

• The Applicant must be the producer and have a valid ABN and, if required by law, be registered for GST. 
• The Applicant may be an individual or a production company and must be NSW Based. 
• The Applicant must own or control the rights in the short/ proof of concept and feature film script and all other rights necessary to carry out the projects. 
• The “key creative team” must comprise a NSW-Based writer, director and applicant-producer. Additional producers, who are not NSW Based and are not the applicants, will be considered. 
• Applications must include at least one Key Creative from Screen NSW’s Strategic Priority Area groups (Regional NSW, Western Sydney, First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people living with disability, and LGBTQIA+ people). 
• Applications must also include at least one female Key Creative in line with NSW gender equity targets. 
• A team must comprise of at least two members, and all teams must include a producer. One person cannot be both the producer and director on the project. Nor can they hold all three key creative positions: writer, director and producer. However, writer/director or writer/producer are eligible. 
• An individual can submit or be attached to multiple applications; however, advice is to put your most competitive projects forward.