CORONAVIRUS

SAFC COVID-19 FAQ

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about the SAFC’s response to the impacts of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the SA Screen Sector. This page will be updated regularly. If you have a question that is not addressed on this page, we encourage you to email us.

Last updated 23 November, 2020.

Accessibility options

The SAFC is committed to supporting increased participation for people from groups under-represented in the screen industry including women, First Nations peoples, practitioners from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, Deaf or disabled people, LGBTQIA+ communities and screen practitioners from regional and remote areas.

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If you need any of this information in an alternative format please contact us.

Quick Links

Questions: SAFC Business Operations

Is the SAFC open and operating?

In line with SA Government directions updated on 22 November 2020, the SAFC’s Adelaide Studios facilities will reopen on Tuesday 24 November, 2020, however the current SA Government recommendation is for people to continue to work from home wherever practicable.

In line with this recommendation the SAFC is supporting staff to continue to work from home, where their role allows. Please note the SAFC is still operational and will continue to administer funds and programs as normal.

SAFC staff are still contactable as normal via phone and email for any enquiries you might have – for individual staff contacts, see Our Staff.

Can I still meet with SAFC staff?

The SAFC is holding all meetings via telephone or video conferencing at this time.

What will happen to my existing SAFC funded project?

The SAFC is absolutely committed to supporting industry at this time. We will be flexible and responsive to industry’s needs. We will fast-track development applications, extend deadlines and simplify reporting requirements.  If your project is impacted by COVID-19, we encourage you to speak with the Production and Development team for support.

How can I stay up to date with what SAFC is doing across COVID-19?

We encourage you to subscribe to the SAFC’s main news mailing list if you haven’t already signed up, and stay tuned to SAFC social media channels and the news section of this website for regular updates from the CEO, agency news and opportunities.

You can also check our COVID-19 Support Measures page to view all current and proposed COVID-19 related support measures organised by screen sector job type.

Questions: Support

What support measures are available for my particular job type?

Go to our COVID-19 Support Measures page to view all current and proposed COVID-19 related support measures organised by screen sector job type.

What specific support is there for writers?

We have heard the concerns of local writers and the factual community and are committed to working with partners to find ways to directly support these important and valued parts of our sector in the new financial year. Right now, the SAFC will prioritise development funding for projects with SA Writers and Directors.

Can I still apply for Development and Production Funding?

Yes. Development and Production funding programs are running as usual. Any changes to Development and Production programs will be communicated widely with industry – we recommend SA screen sector members subscribe to our mailing list to stay up to date.

Some programs have been put on hold in the current circumstances, predominantly those involving travel. For initial enquiries about funding please contact the Production and Development Team on 08 8394 2029 or at programs@safilm.com.au

If Screen Australia is targeting late stage development, could the SAFC target earlier and mid-stage development?

Yes. We have taken on board the feedback from the Virtual Town Hall Meeting and has made Targeted Development open to projects at early and mid-stage development. However, the project needs to demonstrate a strong claim against the criteria; including the likelihood of the project being financed and produced within the next 12-18 months. Find out more about the Targeted Development Grant on our Development page.

Is the SAFC offering any professional/skills development opportunities or online training?

On Friday 22 May, 2020 the SAFC presented the SA Screen Survive and Thrive Workshop, a free business resilience training workshop especially for South Australian screen businesses delivered by award-winning creative industries business expert Monica Davidson of Creative Plus Business Group. The free 2.5 hour skills workshop was designed especially for sole traders, freelancers and microbusinesses operating in the SA screen sector to help them navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis and take advantage of emerging opportunities. You can watch a free video replay of the workshop on Crowdcast.

Can I get income support, or have costs subsidised during this time?

The SAFC cannot provide direct financial support to individuals. Our programs will seek to provide benefit to practitioners through supporting development and production outcomes.

The SAFC has compiled a list of all available State and Federal Government support programs and initiatives relevant to the SA screen sector into one downloadable document. This PDF will be kept updated as more COVID-19 support measures are announced. Download COVID-19 Assistance Programs – At A Glance (253kb PDF)

A number of COVID-19 funds, grants and other support programs for the screen sector have been announced by other agencies and organisations – see the quick links at the top of this page for more.

Will the SAFC fund me to retain staff?

The SAFC cannot directly pay for staff of SA businesses but we are directly engaging with affected businesses to assist.  There are Federal and State Government supports available that can assist businesses with cashflow and retaining staff at this time, such as the Federal Government Temporary Relief for Financially Stressed Businesses.

The ATO’s JobKeeper Payment is intended to provide wage subsidies to businesses that are significantly affected by COVID-19. Download the ATO’s JobKeeper Payment fact sheet PDF here.

The SAFC welcomes feedback from sector members on your eligibility for the JobKeeper Payment, and how we can assist you in navigating these new measures – you can email us at programs@safilm.com.au

What about temporary visa holders working in the sector?

While the SAFC is very grateful to receive all feedback from industry, in some cases responsibility rests with another part of government. In the case of Temporary Visa Holders, responsibility for these workers sits within the Department of Home Affairs. Their COVID-19 FAQ can be found here.

Can the SAFC create a virtual networking hub for screen creatives who would like to use this isolation time for creating new projects?

Following the SAFC’s Virtual Town Hall Meeting the local industry has independently established a South Australian Screen Industry Facebook Group as an online hub to exchange ideas and ask questions. You can request to join the group here.

South Australian producer Kirsty Stark has also compiled information from different members of the industry to create an SA Film/TV Industry Google Spreadsheet, which is being updated by sector members as a valuable shared resource. All members of the sector are welcome to join the document to list resources, share details of online meet-up events and links to SA made entertainment available for streaming. You can find it here.

I’m a photographer – can the SAFC hire me to take location photos during this time?

The SAFC is planning to update its locations gallery in the new financial year. There may be future opportunities to hire external photographers at that time.

Questions: Productions

Can I still enquire about booking Adelaide Studios or filming in South Australia during this time?

Yes, we continue to welcome enquiries about studio bookings and filming in South Australia. Please contact Production Executive Julie Ryan at julie.ryan@safilm.com.au or call +61 8 8394 2012.

Questions: Adelaide Studios Tenants & Clients

Can tenants keep working at Adelaide Studios?

In line with SA Government directions updated on 22 November 2020, the SAFC’s Adelaide Studios facilities will reopen on Tuesday 24 November, 2020, however the current SA Government recommendation is for people to continue to work from home wherever practicable.

All tenants and clients are reminded of their obligation to follow current COVID-19 directives issues by SA Health, SA Police and the State Government. We recommend all tenants and clients monitor the SA Health and SA Government COVID-19 websites for the most up-to-date advice: sahealth.sa.gov.au and covid-19.sa.gov.au

Can I still meet with SAFC staff?

The SAFC is holding all meetings via telephone or video conferencing at this time.

Please note this information may be subject to change; stay up to date with the most current Government recommendations via the quick links at the top of this page.

Will the SAFC waive rent for Adelaide Studios tenants? 

The SA Treasurer approved government agencies (including the SAFC) providing full rent relief/waiver for commercial, retail and industrial businesses that have been forced to close or are significantly impacted as a result of COVID-19 restrictions from 23 March, 2020 to 30 June, 2020. This waiver has been extended to 31 December, 2020 for eligible businesses. Adelaide Studios tenants approved for the extended COVID-19 full rent relief will have been contacted directly about this. If you have any questions about this process please email programs@safilm.com.au

Adelaide Studios tenants will receive a 20% discount on their rent until further notice.

Main image: SAFC courtyard, photo by Kelly Barnes