TV and Film Production Program

The TV and Film Production Program supports the production of scripted and unscripted projects for cinema, free-to-air television, streaming and online platforms that have a confirmed pathway to audience.

The program aims to grow production activity in the ACT, support local talent and strengthen the region’s screen industry.

Projects must be at least a commercial half hour in duration.

Available Funding

Production Grants
Non-recoupable funding up to $300,000.
Each dollar provided is expected to generate at least four dollars in Qualifying ACT Expenditure (QACTE).
Equity Investment
Available for projects seeking more than $300,000.
Equity terms are negotiated in line with Screen Canberra’s investment conditions.

Funding may be offered at a different level than applied for, depending on demand and available resources.

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Application Round Dates

Round 1:

CLOSED

The Canberra Screen and Games Fund has been fully allocated for the 2025-26 financial year, following significant and high-quality demand. Further rounds of the Canberra Screen and Games Fund are subject to future decisions of the ACT Government.

Who Can Apply

The program supports both individuals and companies.

Applicants must:

Have an active ABN

Be ACT based or demonstrate clear ACT economic benefit

Hold the necessary rights to produce and distribute the project

Have meaningful creative and or financial control

Have the capacity to deliver the work

Meet Screen Canberra’s Terms of Trade

Individuals must be at least 18, be Australian citizens or permanent residents and not be full time students.

Companies must be incorporated in Australia and not be broadcasters, gambling companies or educational institutions.

Project Requirements

Projects must:

Be a scripted or unscripted project for cinema, television, streaming / online platforms

Have a confirmed pathway to audience from a television broadcaster, streaming / online platform, cinema distributor or sales agent

Have at least 30 percent of finance confirmed at application

Demonstrate ACT economic benefit and meet QACTE expectations

Include realistic budgets and schedules

Hold clear chain of title

Offer at least one meaningful career development opportunity for an ACT practitioner

Some project types are not eligible, such as retrospective costs, capital purchases and training programs. Full details are in the TV and Film Production Guidelines below.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are assessed on:

Creative strength and audience appeal

ACT economic and industry impact, including local employment

Cultural and regional significance

Feasibility of the budget, finance plan and schedule

Capacity of the team to deliver the project

Assessment normally takes between 8 to 12 weeks.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the Screen Canberra SmartyGrants portal.

Applicants must provide:

Creative materials such as a proposal or pitch deck

A finance plan and supporting documentation

A budget using the required template

A production schedule

Evidence of rights

All required materials must be included at submission. Incomplete applications cannot be assessed.

For full requirements, refer to the TV and Film Production Guidelines below.

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First Nations Content

Projects involving First Nations stories or participation must follow appropriate consultation and cultural protocols. Evidence of consultation and consent is required.