OTHER FUNDING
Australian Festivals, Special Events and Conferences

This program aims to promote Australian productions and practitioners to audiences via significant domestic events. Funding will be provided to established film festivals, national touring programs, and major standalone conferences and special events.

Our aim is to:

• promote quality Australian films to Australian audiences
• develop exhibition opportunities
• provide increased audience access to curated screen programs
• provide opportunities for critical debate and analysis of screen content
• provide opportunities for professional development
• provide opportunities for the wider Australian community, including regional Australia, to access a diverse range of screen programs
• showcase Australian film, television and interactive digital media projects and practitioners to audiences through recognising excellence and achievement
• support the marketing needs of Australian films, while promoting the national industry and its practitioners.

Screen Australia will work to ensure that events are placed through the year to maximise their effectiveness.

Eligibility

All applicants must meet the general eligibility criteria for Screen Australia funding in the Terms of Trade. The following specific requirements also apply (we may make exceptions to these at our discretion):

• Only festivals and events which have previously received funding from Screen Australia are eligible.
• The event must take place within Australia.
• Screen Australia will not provide funds retrospectively.

Available funding

Applications can be for any amount but must be supported by a budget.

Most funding under this program will be on a triennial basis and we do not anticipate opening the program for applications again until 2013/14.

Funding decisions

Following our review of programs and expenditure in this area, Screen Australia has confirmed it will lock in funding for the following key events, subject to approval of a business plan with appropriate KPIs:

• the capital city film festivals – Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra and Brisbane
• a state festival strategy in each of the Northern Territory (in association with the NTFO) and Tasmania (in association with Screen Tasmania)
• the Australian International Documentary Conference
• the AACTA (AFI) Awards and the IF Awards.

Funding arrangements will be determined in each case based on the submitted business plan.

Other eligible festivals, screening programs and events are invited to apply for the remaining pool of funds, with applications to be assessed by a minimum of two people, with at least one being a staff member of Screen Australia. Industry specialists/peers may be used.

We will advise applicants of the success or otherwise of their application. Where an application is unsuccessful, a brief statement of reasons will be provided.

Assessment criteria

When considering applications for funding under this program, we take the following into account:

• Clearly identified outcomes that contribute to the aims of this program. Applicants should articulate how the event will complement and profile Australian films nationally and/or internationally.
• Demonstrated national relevance of the event and how it does not duplicate other existing activities.
• Whether the event is well planned and achievable within the budget provided with consideration to financial and corporate governance, and evidence of strategic partnerships that maximise sponsorship or other support from private and/or other government sources (both cash and in-kind support).
• Whether thorough consideration has been given to marketing, promotion and target audience.
• The capability, experience and relevant track record of the applicants and their proposed team (including, where relevant, previous project acquittals).
• Length of time in operation (preference will be given to established programs and events, that is, those that have been operating for three years or more)..

Terms of funding

• Funding through this program is generally for three years, subject to satisfactory performance and reporting against KPIs, but shorter terms may be approved in some circumstances.
• Funding is in the form of a grant and is not recouped by Screen Australia. Recipients will, however, be required to provide reports as set out in their funding agreement according to their KPIs.
• Receipt of funding should not lead to any expectation of continued assistance from Screen Australia beyond the term of the funding agreement.

[Page updated 26 July 2010]