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.
Accessibility Options
The SAFC is committed to supporting increased participation for people from groups under-represented in the screen industry including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 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
- On Friday 22 May the SAFC presents 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. This free 2.5 hour skills workshop is targeted especially at 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. Registrations are essential – click here for more information.
- The SAFC has partnered with The Mercury to provide a paid Master/Apprentice Program for experienced crew to mentor emerging crew. Experienced crew who wish to participate in this program as a mentor/Master are invited to submit an Expression of Interest via the SAFC’s online grants portal by 22 May, 2020. The Mercury will issue a call for mentee/apprentice registrations once the program is finalised.
- 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; Expressions of Interest can be emailed to SAFC Acting Studio Manager Melissa Eldridge melissa.eldridge@safilm.com.au. 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).
- SAFC Staff are 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 SAFC Program Coordinator Kata Fodor at kata.fodor@safilm.com.au for assistance.
- 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 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 next round closes 27 May, 2020.
- 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
- On Friday 22 May the SAFC presents 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. This free 2.5 hour skills workshop is targeted especially at 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. Registrations are essential – click here for more information.
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.
- The SAFC has partnered with The Mercury to provide a paid Master/Apprentice Program for experienced crew to mentor emerging crew, which could also be extended to key creatives. This program is currently open for Expressions of Interest from experienced crew wishing to participate as mentors/Masters. While we so far have not had any Expressions of Interest from key creatives for this initiative, we welcome you to email us at programs@safilm.com.au. The Mercury will issue a call for mentee/apprentice registrations once the program is finalised.
- SAFC 2020 Lottie Lyell Award
The SAFC’s Lottie Lyell Award is open for applications until 8 May, 2020. $20,000 development funding is on offer for a female identifying SA writer or writer/director. Emerging to established filmmakers can apply to this fund. Find out more on the Development page of this website.
- 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 has 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. In order to receive this new COVID-19 full rent relief tenants will need to meet the eligibility criteria and follow an application process. An application form drafted by the Department of Innovation and Skills (DIS) has been shared with all tenants via email on Monday 11 May, 2020. 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.
- On Friday 22 May the SAFC presents 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. This free 2.5 hour skills workshop is targeted especially at 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. Registrations are essential – click here for more information.
SA Games Companies
Support right now
- SAFC Games Innovation Fund
Round two of the SAFC’s Games Innovation Fund is open for applications until 22 May, 2020. Find out more on the Games page of this website.
- SAFC Games Innovation Fund – Online Information Session
SAFC Games Consultant Vee Pendergrast held an online information session for applicants on Thursday, 9 April. You can watch a replay of the session on Youtube.
- SAFC Games Innovation Fund – One-on-One Mentoring
SAFC Games Consultant Vee Pendergrast will be holding one-on-one mentoring meetings for teams seeking to apply for the Games Fund. Applicants can request a one-on-one meeting to discuss their applications. Register by emailing SAFC Associate Executive Production & Development Nara Wilson at nara.wilson@safilm.com.au
- On Friday 22 May the SAFC presents 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. This free 2.5 hour skills workshop is targeted especially at 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. Registrations are essential – click here for more information.
SA Production & Post Production Companies
Support right now
- The SAFC is working with producers whose projects are on hold to ensure wherever possible, these projects can move directly into production once restrictions are lifted.
- While the Adelaide Studios facilities are unable to be utilised due to social distancing restrictions, the SAFC is temporarily making the lockup area available for storage to assist businesses, service companies and crew to save money on storage facilities at this time. The SAFC is discussing this option with potential businesses to identify the demand. Please contact programs@safilm.com.au to register your interest.
- 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
- On Friday 22 May the SAFC presents 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. This free 2.5 hour skills workshop is targeted especially at 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. Registrations are essential – click here for more information.
Main image: SAFC courtyard, photo by Kelly Barnes
