CORONAVIRUS
SAFC COVID-19 Support Measures
The SAFC recognises that our industry is feeling the economic impacts of COVID-19. We are committed to being responsive and agile throughout this challenging period and we will advocate for the South Australian screen industry at every level.
At this time, the SAFC has not received additional funding, however we will redirect our remaining funds towards areas where we can have the greatest impact.
Our response measures are guided by our values of service to the South Australian screen industry. We will be: Supportive, Can Do, Trustworthy, Open, Professional and Inclusive – and our response measures have been created from your feedback and suggestions.
This page will be updated regularly. Please also check our COVID-19 FAQ page for other support resources.
Government Support Overview
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.
COVID-19 Safe Guidelines for Screen Production
A set of working guidelines to create best practice in COVID-safe production across Australia’s screen sector was released Friday 29 May, 2020. The Australian Screen Production Industry COVID-Safe Guidelines have been developed by an Australian Screen Sector Task Force, made up of 18 organisations and state screen agencies including the SAFC, in consultation with the Commonwealth Department of Health and global law firm Clyde & Co. To find out more about the Guidelines click here.
COVID-19 Risk Assessment Tool
The SAFC has commissioned Deloitte to create a Risk Assessment Tool to help producers to manage their risk associated with COVID-19. The Tool has been specially developed to assist producers to assess COVID-19 risk management issues for their production, and get cameras rolling again more quickly and easily in conjunction with national COVID-safe guidelines. Download the tool here.
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.
- Download an Easy Read version of this page (174kb PDF).
If you need any of this information in an alternative format please contact us.
Select a category:
SA Freelance Cast, Crew & Services
Support right now
- The SAFC has partnered with Mercury CX to provide a paid Master/Apprentice Program for experienced crew to mentor emerging crew. Applications and Expressions of Interest for this have now closed.
- Watch a video replay of the SAFC’s 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 2.5 hour skills workshop, which was originally presented on 22 May, was designed especially for SA 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.
- SAFC Staff are continually updating the South Australian Crew and Services Directory. If you are not yet a member of the directory we encourage you to register online now. If you need help updating your details, please contact Nara Wilson on nara.wilson@safilm.com.au for assistance.
- The SAFC will hold a Virtual Technical Open Day where experienced Heads of Departments (HODs) will present to new players seeking to enter the industry. This event is currently being planned. The SAFC plans to also hold a physical Technical Open Day once the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
- The SAFC has confirmed paid guest lecturing opportunities at Universities and training institutions for Heads of Departments (HODs).
- The SAFC is actively encouraging development proposals that will employ SA crew to provide services to advanced stage projects and is exploring ways of engaging experienced crew in paid mentorship activities.
Support in progress
- The SAFC is investigating subsidies for technical training and licenses.
SA Producers
Support right now
- The SAFC has commissioned Deloitte to create a Risk Assessment Tool to help producers to manage their risk associated with COVID-19. The Tool has been specially developed to assist producers to assess COVID-19 risk management issues for their production, and get cameras rolling again more quickly and easily in conjunction with national COVID-safe guidelines. Download the tool here.
- The SAFC will increase the funds available for Development.
- The SAFC has launched two new Development grant programs: the Targeted Development Grant, for projects at early and mid-stage development, and the Matched Market Development Grant, providing guaranteed matched funding to South Australian projects with secured third-party development support. These grants temporarily replace the Early and Advanced Development Grants. Find out more on our Development page.
- The Screen Production Investment Fund will continue to accept applications.
- The SAFC will look to support projects with SA Key Creatives and/or projects that can employ a significant number of South Australian crew, cast and screen services.
- The SAFC will provide transparency about the types of activities we can fund, and the budget caps for each line item, to make applying simpler for Producers and to improve the turnaround time on decisions.
- For existing projects, the SAFC will be flexible with milestones, reporting requirements and delivery deadlines. Please contact the Production and Development Team for assistance at programs@safilm.com.au
- Watch a video replay of the SAFC’s 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 2.5 hour skills workshop, which was originally presented on 22 May, was designed especially for SA 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.
SA Key Creatives
Support right now
- SAFC will prioritise projects for Development Funding with South Australian key creatives and will continue to seek out opportunities for Key Creatives.
- 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, SAFC will prioritise development funding for projects with SA Writers and Directors.
Adelaide Studios Tenants
Support right now
- Adelaide Studios tenants will receive a 20% discount on their rent until further notice.
- 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 now been extended to 30 September, 2020. Adelaide Studios tenants who were previously approved for the COVID-19 full rent relief to 30 June will have the extended waiver automatically applied. If you have any questions about this process please email programs@safilm.com.au
- SAFC Reception is continuing to operate as normal from 8.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
- In the event of a Government mandated shutdown, Adelaide Studios tenants will receive full rent relief during the period when the building is inaccessible.
- The Adelaide Studios and Facilities are still open and available.
- Watch a video replay of the SAFC’s 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 2.5 hour skills workshop, which was originally presented on 22 May, was designed especially for SA 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.
SA Games Companies
Support right now
- Watch a video replay of the SAFC’s 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 2.5 hour skills workshop, which was originally presented on 22 May, was designed especially for SA 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.
SA Production & Post Production Companies
Support right now
- The SAFC is working directly with producers to ensure wherever possible, their projects can move into production in line within COVID-safe guidelines.
- The SAFC is in regular communication with South Australian PDV companies to determine their needs at this time.
- The SAFC is continuing to administer the SA PDV Rebate
- Watch a video replay of the SAFC’s 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 2.5 hour skills workshop, which was originally presented on 22 May, was designed especially for SA 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.
Main image: SAFC courtyard, photo by Kelly Barnes
