Funding Schemes
Funding
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A3.3 Indigenous Production Support - Index
| Type: Grant |
| Funding Available: Up to $70,000 |
| Assessed: By Panel |
Purpose and Scope:
The INDEX scheme is designed to extend the experience of Indigenous filmmakers, particularly Directors, Writers and Producers, by supporting the production of short films. ScreenWest will provide up to $50,000 with an additional amount of $20,000 from the Australian Film Commission making a total budget of $70,000 for one short drama.
INDEX is only open to dramas with a maximum length of up to and including 15 minutes shot on digital format such as HD.
Eligibility:
The scheme is aimed primarily at newer filmmakers who have completed at least one drama or factual programs (including documentary) such as a Deadly Yarns production. INDEX is open only to Indigenous directors, writers and producers resident in Western Australia for a total of three out of the last five years.
Please note that a non-Indigenous Co-Writer and Co-Producer will be considered. Every effort will be made to provide additional mentors as required, and to offer an Indigenous attachment to any non-Indigenous Head of Department, depending on the availability of funds.
Criteria:
Applications will be assessed by a single specially convened Panel on the basis of:
- The quality of the script;
- The capacity of the production team to realize the project, both creatively and practically (in terms of schedule and budget);
- The project's level of originality and/or innovation in form or content;
- Whether the project represents a genuine extension in the filmmakers' experience and careers.
- Financial Assistance and Conditions:
Funding will be in the form of a grant sufficient to cover the total approved budget. It is expected that the total production be completed in Western Australia.
Once funding is approved, it will be provided in accordance with a production agreement between ScreenWest and the Applicant.
Unless otherwise negotiated, principal photography must start within six months of receipt of the letter of offer or ScreenWest's offer may lapse.
Applicants should note that ScreenWest reserves the right to appoint a Production Executive and/or Mentors to funded projects and become involved in the marketing of approved projects.
Applications:
Applicants will be required to submit the following:
- A completed Application Form;
- A short synopsis;
- A hard copy of the script;
- CVs of the director, producer, writer;
- A 2-3 page Director's statement outlining his/her stylistic approach to the script;.
- A producer's statement;
- A completed A to Z short film budget summary sheet
A panel comprising a ScreenWest representative and two industry professionals, at least one of whom will be Indigenous, will shortlist applicants for interview.
Shortlisted applicants may be asked to supply a full budget, a proposed shooting schedule and crew list prior to interview. Directors will be asked to provide evidence of their directing skills. The team will be given sufficient time to prepare for interview.
A further script development session, with the script editor's fee funded by ScreenWest, may be offered to the successful applicant.
Special instructions:
The next Index round is to be announced early in 2008. Applicants are strongly advised to contact Debra Miller at ScreenWest for a detailed discussion of their project before making a formal application.
