The Screen Production Fund empowers world-class South Australian screen production that connects our state’s diverse voices, stories, artistry and identity to audiences in Australia and around the world.

Projects funded under this program are expected to be substantially produced and post-produced in South Australia.

What is on offer?

The Screen Production Fund supports the production of narrative film, television and online projects. Projects must be for commercial release via theatrical, broadcast, or major digital content platforms.

As a guide, producers may receive up to 10% of Qualifying South Australian Expenditure. Approval is subject to available funds.

For more detailed information including eligibility and other requirements, term definitions, application instructions and evaluation criteria, please download the guidelines (linked below).

Guidelines & Downloads

• Guidelines – Screen Production Fund – effective January 2026 (213kb PDF)
• Qualifying South Australian Expenditure – effective February 2025 (213kb PDF)
• Statutory Declaration Template – effective April 2025 (144kb PDF)

Please contact us if you require these guidelines in an alternative format – see contact details for this program below.

Application process

Applications for the Screen Production Fund are open year-round and must be made via the SAFC’s online grants platform safilm.smartygrants.com.au

Applications will be processed in two stages:

• Stage One is assessment of eligibility.
• Stage Two is full assessment and consideration of an offer of funding.

For more detailed information including key dates and application instructions, please download the guidelines.

Before applying, all applicants must read the SAFC’s Terms of Trade and speak to the SAFC regarding their intended SAFC grant request and the estimated Qualifying South Australian Expenditure on the project.

Contacts

Please direct all phone enquiries to the relevant staff below via
SAFC Reception on +61 8 8394 2000.

For initial enquiries, please contact SAFC Program Coordinator Julia Light [email protected]

For SA-led productions, please contact SAFC Production Executive – SA Led Mags Scholes [email protected]

For Inbound productions, please contact SAFC Production Executive – Inbound and Studios Georgia Humphreys-Yuan [email protected]

SAFC Commitment to Access, Diversity & Inclusion

The SAFC is committed to supporting increased participation of people from groups under-represented in the SA screen industry which include:

• First Nations practitioners,
• Female identifying writers and directors,
• LGBTQIA+ practitioners,
• Practitioners residing in Regional or Remote areas of SA,
• Practitioners from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse background,
• D/deaf and/or disabled practitioners.

The SAFC recognises that barriers may prevent practitioners from under-represented groups from accessing our programs.

For a confidential discussion about your individual circumstances and/or access needs, please contact SAFC Program Coordinator Julia Light via SAFC Reception on +61 8 8394 2000 or email [email protected]

The ABC SAFC Content Pipeline Fund is a strategic screen-production initiative aimed at delivering a robust and sustained flow of high-quality television content to ABC TV and ABC iview.

It is designed to support economic growth and job creation, contribute to sustainable South Australian screen businesses, provide opportunities for upskilling and workforce development, and ensure a consistent output of quality South Australian-made ABC programming.

Projects funded under this program are expected to be substantially produced and post-produced in South Australia (SA).

What is on offer?

The ABC SAFC Content Pipeline Fund supports the production of narrative content for commercial release on the ABC broadcast and/or digital platforms.

For SA-led projects, producers may receive up to 16.5% of Qualifying South Australian Expenditure, subject to available funds. Such investment by the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) is in the form of a non-recoupable grant. The SAFC considers this grant as “assigned equity” to the South Australian producer.

For Inbound, producers may receive up to 12.5% of Qualifying South Australian Expenditure, subject to available funds. SAFC provides such funding in two forms: non-recoupable grants and equity investments, depending on the project’s Qualifying South Australian Expenditure.

For more detailed information including eligibility and other requirements, term definitions, application instructions and evaluation criteria, please download the guidelines (linked below).

Guidelines & Downloads

• Guidelines – ABC SAFC Content Pipeline Fund – effective January 2026 (212kb PDF)
• Qualifying South Australian Expenditure – effective February 2025 (213kb PDF)

Please contact us if you require these guidelines in an alternative format – see contact details for this program below.

Application process

Applications for the ABC SAFC Content Pipeline Fund are open year-round and must be made via the SAFC’s online grants platform safilm.smartygrants.com.au.

Applications will be processed in two stages:

• Stage One is assessment of eligibility.
• Stage Two is full assessment and consideration of an offer of funding.

For more detailed information including key dates and application instructions, please download the guidelines.

Before applying, all applicants must read the SAFC’s Terms of Trade and speak to the SAFC regarding their intended SAFC grant request and the estimated Qualifying South Australian Expenditure on the project.

Contacts

Please direct all phone enquiries to the relevant staff below via
SAFC Reception on +61 8 8394 2000.

For initial enquiries, please contact SAFC Program Coordinator Julia Light [email protected]

For SA-led productions, please contact SAFC Production Executive – SA Led Mags Scholes [email protected]

For Inbound productions, please contact SAFC Production Executive – Inbound and Studios Georgia Humphreys-Yuan [email protected]

SAFC Commitment to Access, Diversity & Inclusion

The SAFC is committed to supporting increased participation of people from groups under-represented in the SA screen industry which include:

• First Nations practitioners,
• Female identifying writers and directors,
• LGBTQIA+ practitioners,
• Practitioners residing in Regional or Remote areas of SA,
• Practitioners from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse background,
• D/deaf and/or disabled practitioners.

The SAFC recognises that barriers may prevent practitioners from under-represented groups from accessing our programs.

For a confidential discussion about your individual circumstances and/or access needs, please contact SAFC Program Coordinator Julia Light via SAFC Reception on +61 8 8394 2000 or email [email protected]

The South Australian Post-Production, Digital and Visual Effects Rebate (SA PDV Rebate) empowers world-class PDV activity in South Australia that connects our state’s diverse voices, stories, artistry and identity to audiences in Australia and around the world. It develops the SA PDV sector with funding that complements the Federal Government’s Producer Offset, Location Offset or PDV Offset.

What is on offer?

The SA PDV Rebate is an expenditure-based incentive that provides a 10% rebate on amounts spent by the applicant company on PDV-related activities incurred and retained in South Australia (SA PDV Expenditure). Projects must have incurred at least $250,000 (Qualifying Threshold) of Qualifying SA PDV Expenditure.

The SA PDV Rebate may be accessed in addition to SAFC grant funding.

For more detailed information including eligibility and other requirements, term definitions, application instructions and evaluation criteria, please download the guidelines (linked below).

Guidelines & Downloads

• Guidelines – SA PDV Rebate – effective January 2026 (186kb PDF)
• PDV Audit and Statutory Declaration Pro Forma – effective October 2018 (202kb PDF)

Please contact us if you require these guidelines in an alternative format – see contact details for this program below.

Application process

Applications for the SA PDV Rebate are open year-round and must be made via the SAFC’s online grants platform safilm.smartygrants.com.au.

Applications will be processed in two stages:

• Stage One is assessment of Provisional Approval.
• Stage Two is acquittal and Final Approval.

For more detailed information including key dates and application instructions, please download the guidelines.

Before applying, all applicants must read the SAFC’s Terms of Trade and speak to the SAFC regarding their intended SAFC grant request.

Contacts

Please direct all phone enquiries to the relevant staff below via
SAFC Reception on +61 8 8394 2000.

For initial enquiries, please contact SAFC Program Coordinator Julia Light [email protected]

For SA-led productions, please contact SAFC Production Executive – SA Led Mags Scholes [email protected]

For Inbound productions, please contact SAFC Production Executive – Inbound and Studios Georgia Humphreys-Yuan [email protected]

SAFC Commitment to Access, Diversity & Inclusion

The SAFC is committed to supporting increased participation of people from groups under-represented in the SA screen industry which include:

• First Nations practitioners,
• Female identifying writers and directors,
• LGBTQIA+ practitioners,
• Practitioners residing in Regional or Remote areas of SA,
• Practitioners from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse background,
• D/deaf and/or disabled practitioners.

The SAFC recognises that barriers may prevent practitioners from under-represented groups from accessing our programs.

For a confidential discussion about your individual circumstances and/or access needs, please contact SAFC Program Coordinator Julia Light via SAFC Reception on +61 8 8394 2000 or email [email protected]

The SA Video Game Development Rebate (SA VGD Rebate) enables video games studios to claim a percentage of costs incurred to develop a video game in South Australia (SA).  The SA VGD Rebate is paid by the South Australian Government and administered by the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC).

A minimum of AUD $250,000 must be spent and retained in SA on Eligible Expenditure on an Eligible Project.

The Rebate seeks to be responsive to the needs of the games industry and to establish SA as a leading location for games development by encouraging established South Australian games studios to scale and by incentivising other games studios to establish a base or undertake work in SA.

What is on offer?

A discretionary rebate equivalent to 10% of Eligible Expenditure on video game development work undertaken in South Australia on an Eligible Project, subject to available funds.

For more detailed information including eligibility and other requirements, term definitions, application instructions and evaluation criteria, please download the guidelines (linked below).

Guidelines & Downloads

• Guidelines – SA VGD Rebate – effective January 2026 (215kb PDF)
• SA VGD Rebate – Qualifying Expenditure Principles – effective February 2022 (190kb PDF)
• SA VGD Rebate – Audit and Statutory Declaration Proforma – effective June 2021 (250kb PDF)

Please contact us if you require these guidelines in an alternative format – see contact details for this program below.

Application process

Applications for the SA VGD Rebate can be made throughout the year at regular intervals, and must be made via the SAFC’s online grants platform safilm.smartygrants.com.au

Applications will be processed in two stages:

• Stage One is assessment of Provisional Approval.
• Stage Two is Final Approval.

For more detailed information including key dates and application instructions, please download the guidelines.

Before applying, all applicants must read the SAFC’s Terms of Trade and speak to the SAFC regarding their intended SAFC grant request.

Contacts

Please direct all phone enquiries to the relevant staff below via
SAFC Reception on +61 8 8394 2000.

For initial enquiries, please contact SAFC Program Coordinator Julia Light, [email protected]

For other enquiries, please contact SAFC Acting Game Development Executive Neil Rennison [email protected]

SAFC Commitment to Access, Diversity & Inclusion

The SAFC is committed to supporting increased participation of people from groups under-represented in the SA screen industry which include:

• First Nations practitioners,
• Female identifying writers and directors,
• LGBTQIA+ practitioners,
• Practitioners residing in Regional or Remote areas of SA,
• Practitioners from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse background,
• D/deaf and/or disabled practitioners.

The SAFC recognises that barriers may prevent practitioners from under-represented groups from accessing our programs.

For a confidential discussion about your individual circumstances and/or access needs, please contact SAFC Program Coordinator Julia Light via SAFC Reception on +61 8 8394 2000 or email [email protected]

Payroll tax is a state tax that is calculated on wages paid or payable. Payroll tax is payable when an employer’s (or group of employers’) total Australia-wide taxable wages exceeds the South Australian threshold. In South Australia (SA), payroll tax is collected and administered in accordance with the Payroll Tax Act 2009.

The South Australian Government offers a Payroll Tax Exemption to producers shooting feature films in SA. The incentive may reduce a project’s total payroll liability by up to 4.95%.

For more detailed information including eligibility and other requirements, term definitions, application instructions and evaluation criteria, please download the guidelines (linked below).

Who is eligible?

Production companies who make feature films in SA and incur a South Australian payroll tax liability.

A payroll tax liability generally arises in South Australia when an employer (or a Group of employers) has an annual wages bill in excess of $1.5 million for services rendered by employees anywhere in Australia if any of those services are rendered or performed in South Australia. 

For further details visit the Revenue SA website.

Guidelines & Downloads

• Guidelines – Payroll Tax Exemption – effective January 2026 (146kb PDF)

Please contact us if you require these guidelines in an alternative format – see contact details for this program below.

Application Process

Applications for Payroll Tax Exemption can be made at any time through the SAFC’s online grants platform safilm.smartygrants.com.au

For more detailed information including key dates and application instructions, please download the guidelines.

How can I find out more?

Find out more about Payroll Tax Exemption at RevenueSA – revenuesa.sa.gov.au

For initial enquiries, please contact SAFC Program Coordinator Julia Light via SAFC Reception on +61 8 8394 2000 or email [email protected]

SAFC Commitment to Access, Diversity & Inclusion

The SAFC is committed to supporting increased participation of people from groups under-represented in the SA screen industry which include:

• First Nations practitioners,
• Female identifying writers and directors,
• LGBTQIA+ practitioners,
• Practitioners residing in Regional or Remote areas of SA,
• Practitioners from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse background,
• D/deaf and/or disabled practitioners.

The SAFC recognises that barriers may prevent practitioners from under-represented groups from accessing our programs.

For a confidential discussion about your individual circumstances and/or access needs, please contact SAFC Program Coordinator Julia Light via SAFC Reception on +61 8 8394 2000 or email [email protected]

The South Australian Revolving Loan Facility is an SAFC administered loan facility which supports the financing of South Australian film and television productions.

Through the SA Revolving Loan Facility, the SAFC provides secured loans to finance long-form dramas and documentaries which are either stand-alone projects or series.

Generally, there are two types of loans available under this scheme:

• Producer Offset loans are available to cash flow the Producer Offset for eligible Australian productions; and
• Distribution Guarantee / Licence Fee loans are available to cash flow distribution guarantees or licence fees from reputable distributors or broadcasters. 

Up to 90% of Qualifying Australian Production Expenditure (QAPE) can be provided as a loan, subject to eligibility and availability of funds.

What is on offer?

Up to $850,000 per South Australian production company or project at any one time.

For more detailed information including eligibility and other requirements, term definitions, application instructions and evaluation criteria, please download the guidelines (linked below).

Guidelines

• Guidelines – SA Revolving Loan Facility – effective January 2026 (291kb PDF)

Please contact us if you require these guidelines in an alternative format – see contact details for this program below.

Application process

Applications for the SA Revolving Loan Facility are open year-round and must be made via the SAFC’s online grants platform safilm.smartygrants.com.au.

For more detailed information including key dates and application instructions, please download the guidelines.

After reading the SAFC Terms of Trade, applicants are required to discuss their applications with the SAFC prior to submitting a completed application.

Contacts

Please direct all phone enquiries to the relevant staff below via
SAFC Reception on +61 8 8394 2000.

For initial enquiries, please contact SAFC Program Coordinator Julia Light, [email protected]

For SA-led productions, please contact SAFC Production Executive – SA Led Mags Scholes [email protected]

For Inbound productions, please contact SAFC Production Executive – Inbound and Studios Georgia Humphreys-Yuan [email protected]

SAFC Commitment to Access, Diversity & Inclusion

The SAFC is committed to supporting increased participation of people from groups under-represented in the SA screen industry which include:

• First Nations practitioners,
• Female identifying writers and directors,
• LGBTQIA+ practitioners,
• Practitioners residing in Regional or Remote areas of SA,
• Practitioners from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse background,
• D/deaf and/or disabled practitioners.

The SAFC recognises that barriers may prevent practitioners from under-represented groups from accessing our programs.

For a confidential discussion about your individual circumstances and/or access needs, please contact SAFC Program Coordinator Julia Light via SAFC Reception on +61 8 8394 2000 or email [email protected]

The Matched Market Development Grant provides matched funding to SA-led projects with secured third-party funding from the market. The SAFC recognises market finance as an endorsement of the project’s likelihood to attract finance, move into production and connect with audiences.

This program is non-discretionary. If all eligible criteria are met, funding is automatic, subject to available funds.

What is on offer?

Development funding for narrative-driven SA-led screen projects intending to be produced and/or post-produced in South Australia (SA) and for commercial release via theatrical, broadcast, or major digital content platform.

The SAFC will match third-party development contributions in two tiers, subject to funds available:

• Up to $25,000 for confirmed development funding from Screen Australia,
• Above $25,000 and uncapped for confirmed development funding from a Recognised Third-Party Market Entity*. SAFC contribution above $25,000 will be limited to South Australian Qualifying Expenditure.

*A Recognised Third-Party Market Entity is defined as a sales agent, distributor, broadcaster, streaming platform or major digital content platform with a public facing commercial track record in the format applied for, or partner production companies that have output deals with recognised third-party market entities. This excludes private investor funds.

For more detailed information including eligibility and other requirements, term definitions, application instructions and evaluation criteria, please download the guidelines (linked below).

Guidelines

• Guidelines – Matched Market Development Grant – effective January 2026 (163kb PDF)

Please contact us if you require these guidelines in an alternative format – see contact details for this program below.

Application process

Applications for the Matched Market Development Grant are open year-round and must be made via the SAFC’s online grants platform safilm.smartygrants.com.au.

Applications will be processed in two stages:

• Stage One is assessment of eligibility.
• Stage Two is full assessment and consideration of an offer of funding.

Before applying, all applicants must read the SAFC’s Terms of Trade and speak to the SAFC regarding their intended SAFC grant request and the estimated SA spend on your project.

For more detailed information including key dates and application instructions, please download the guidelines.

Contacts

Please direct all phone enquiries to the relevant staff below via
SAFC Reception on +61 8 8394 2000.

For initial enquiries, please contact SAFC Program Coordinator Julia Light, [email protected]

For other enquiries, please contact SAFC Talent Development Manager Jessica Giacco [email protected]

SAFC Commitment to Access, Diversity & Inclusion

The SAFC is committed to supporting increased participation of people from groups under-represented in the SA screen industry which include:

• First Nations practitioners,
• Female identifying writers and directors,
• LGBTQIA+ practitioners,
• Practitioners residing in Regional or Remote areas of SA,
• Practitioners from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse background,
• D/deaf and/or disabled practitioners.

The SAFC recognises that barriers may prevent practitioners from under-represented groups from accessing our programs.

For a confidential discussion about your individual circumstances and/or access needs, please contact SAFC Program Coordinator Julia Light via SAFC Reception on +61 8 8394 2000 or email [email protected]

The Diversity Development Grant supports the development of world-class screen projects led by South Australian Key Creatives, made in South Australia (SA) to connect with audiences here and globally.

What is on offer?

Development funding for screen projects intending to be produced and/or post-produced in SA and for commercial release via theatrical, broadcast, or major digital content platform.

Projects funded under this program must have clear development goals and a demonstrated pathway to audience. Development is open to projects at all stages of development after the first draft is completed. Projects must be able to demonstrate a strong likelihood of being financed and produced within 24 months of the application.

Applicants can apply for up to $20,000 depending on the type of project, the development activities proposed, the scope of the final project and the level of market interest.

For more detailed information including eligibility and other requirements, term definitions, application instructions and evaluation criteria, please download the guidelines (linked below).

Guidelines

• Guidelines – Diversity Development Grant – effective January 2026 (163 PDF)

Please contact us if you require these guidelines in an alternative format – see contact details for this program below.

Key dates

Application Round Stage 1 Open – 9 February
Application Round Stage 1 Close – 2 March
Application Round Stage 2 Open – 10 March
Application Round Stage 2 Close – 23 March
Diversity Development Panel Meeting – 8 May

Application process

Applications for the Diversity Development Grant are open by rounds and must be made via the SAFC’s online grants platform safilm.smartygrants.com.au.

Applications will be processed in two stages:

• Stage One is assessment of eligibility.
• Stage Two is full assessment and consideration of an offer of funding.

For more detailed information including key dates and application instructions, please download the guidelines.

Before applying, all applicants must read the SAFC’s Terms of Trade and speak to the SAFC regarding their intended SAFC grant request and the estimated SA spend on your project.

Contacts

Please direct all phone enquiries to the relevant staff below via
SAFC Reception on +61 8 8394 2000.

For initial enquiries, please contact SAFC Program Coordinator Julia Light [email protected]

For other enquiries, please contact SAFC Talent Development Manager Jessica Giacco [email protected]

SAFC Commitment to Access, Diversity & Inclusion

The SAFC is committed to supporting increased participation of people from groups under-represented in the SA screen industry which include:

• First Nations practitioners,
• Female identifying writers and directors,
• LGBTQIA+ practitioners,
• Practitioners residing in Regional or Remote areas of SA,
• Practitioners from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse background,
• D/deaf and/or disabled practitioners.

The SAFC recognises that barriers may prevent practitioners from under-represented groups from accessing our programs.

For a confidential discussion about your individual circumstances and/or access needs, please contact SAFC Program Coordinator Julia Light via SAFC Reception on +61 8 8394 2000 or email [email protected]

Film Lab: New Voices (Film Lab) is a low-budget feature film skills development initiative designed and delivered by the SAFC to provide a platform for the next generation of diverse South Australian filmmaking talent.

The fourth Film Lab program will commence in 2026 with development funding from the SAFC and Screen Australia.

What is on offer?

Film Lab is a bold, ambitious, and creative program designed to produce world-class films that reach audiences here and globally and launch the careers of a new generation of South Australian Key Creatives (writers, directors, producers).

The program will give three South Australian creative teams development funding and industry mentoring across a 12-month period to develop a low-budget feature film script which must be conceived and designed for the allocated budget. Industry mentors with expertise in low-budget filmmaking will guide the three teams through a rigorous skills development program.

At the end of the development phase, the three teams will apply through a competitive process where one team will be selected for Film Lab production funding to produce a low budget feature film.

Development funding on offer is $30,000 per project for the 12-month program.

For more detailed information including eligibility and other requirements, term definitions, application instructions and evaluation criteria, please download the guidelines (linked below).

Guidelines

• Guidelines – Film Lab: New Voices – Development – effective January 2026 (163 PDF)

Please contact us if you require these guidelines in an alternative format – see contact details for this program below.

Key dates

• Application Round Stage 1 Open — 28 January, 2026
• Application Round Stage 1 Close — 9.00am ACDT 5 March, 2026
• Application Round Stage 2 Open – 19 March, 2026
• Application Round Stage 2 Close – 9.00am ACDT 30 March, 2026
• Film Lab: New Voices information webinar – Able to view online from 30 January, 2026. See more information below.

Application process

Applications for round four of Film Lab: New Voices – Development funding must be made via the SAFC’s online grants platform safilm.smartygrants.com.au.

Applications will be processed in two stages:

• Stage One is assessment of eligibility.
• Stage Two is full assessment and shortlisting.

For more detailed information including key dates and application instructions, please download the guidelines.

Before applying, all applicants must read the SAFC’s Terms of Trade and speak to the SAFC regarding their intended SAFC grant request and the estimated SA spend on your project.

Further information for applicants: Info webinar

Potential applicants are invited to watch the information webinar video, in which SAFC Talent Development Manager Jessica Giacco talks you through the Film Lab: New Voices program, and how to apply.

Contacts

Please direct all phone enquiries to the relevant staff below via
SAFC Reception on +61 8 8394 2000.

For initial enquiries, please contact SAFC Program Coordinator Julia Light [email protected]

For other enquiries, please contact SAFC Talent Development Manager Jessica Giacco [email protected]

SAFC Commitment to Access, Diversity & Inclusion

The SAFC is committed to supporting increased participation of people from groups under-represented in the SA screen industry which include:

• First Nations practitioners,
• Female identifying writers and directors,
• LGBTQIA+ practitioners,
• Practitioners residing in Regional or Remote areas of SA,
• Practitioners from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse background,
• D/deaf and/or disabled practitioners.

The SAFC recognises that barriers may prevent practitioners from under-represented groups from accessing our programs.

For a confidential discussion about your individual circumstances and/or access needs, please contact SAFC Program Coordinator Julia Light via SAFC Reception on +61 8 8394 2000 or email [email protected]

The Digital Games Fund offers grant funding to eligible South Australian game developers to aid in the development of digital games through to their next milestone.

The objectives of this program align with the South Australian Film Corporation Strategic Plan for 2025-2028:

• To assist South Australian game creators in reaching development milestones for
  new and upcoming games.
• To build a sustainable, long-term model of support for South Australian game creators that fosters new and innovative projects with commercial, critical, and artistic merit, fuelling SA company growth and helping local teams to thrive and
  expand.
• To grow the number of South Australian digital game titles released each year, and to assist more teams in qualifying for the SA VGD rebate.
• To advance diverse SA game development teams, and to give them opportunities to thrive in the global games marketplace.

What is on offer?

Grants of up to $100,000 are available for digital game development teams who are looking to develop their game towards its next significant milestone, including final release. This funding will come in the form of a one-off grant, which must be spent on the development of the game that the applicant has applied for.

Funding must help the applicants to develop their game to a significant milestone stage. The application must clearly define the stage the funding will support, and outcomes. Depending on the amount requested, milestone stages may include:

• Prototype
• Demo
• Vertical slice
• Early Access (Steam)
• 1.0 release
• Significant post-launch content updates (i.e. new levels, new modes, new characters)
• Porting to console, PC, Mac, VR or mobile

For more detailed information including eligibility and other requirements, term definitions, application instructions and evaluation criteria, please download the guidelines (linked below).

Guidelines & Downloads

• Guidelines – Digital Games Fund – effective January 2026 (208kb PDF)
• Digital Games Fund Budget Template (55kb .xlsx)

Please contact us if you require these guidelines in an alternative format – see contact details for this program below.

Key dates

• Application Round Open — Open 23 October, 2025
• Deadline to apply — 5 December, 2025
• Eligibility Decision — 19 December, 2025
• Panel Decision — 23 February, 2026

Application process

Applications for the Digital Games Fund are open once a year and must be made via the SAFC’s online grants platform safilm.smartygrants.com.au.

Before applying, all applicants must read the SAFC’s Terms of Trade and speak to the SAFC regarding their intended SAFC grant request.

For more information, including eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria and application instructions, download the guidelines.

Contacts

Please direct all phone enquiries to the relevant staff below via
SAFC Reception on +61 8 8394 2000.

For initial enquiries, please contact SAFC Program Coordinator Julia Light, [email protected]

For other enquiries, please contact SAFC Acting Game Development Executive Neil Rennison, [email protected]

SAFC Commitment to Access, Diversity & Inclusion

The SAFC is committed to supporting increased participation of people from groups under-represented in the SA screen industry which include:

• First Nations practitioners,
• Female identifying writers and directors,
• LGBTQIA+ practitioners,
• Practitioners residing in Regional or Remote areas of SA,
• Practitioners from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse background,
• D/deaf and/or disabled practitioners.

The SAFC recognises that barriers may prevent practitioners from under-represented groups from accessing our programs.

For a confidential discussion about your individual circumstances and/or access needs, please contact SAFC Program Coordinator Julia Light via SAFC Reception on +61 8 8394 2000 or email [email protected]

The Export Market Travel Fund is a limited fund that supports international travel for the final packaging of world-class South Australian projects to move into production. Funding recipients will be focused on gaining market attachments, raising export finance and securing partners to enable their projects to move into production.

What is on offer?

Travel funding is available for:

• up to $3,500 for an individual,
• up to $5,000 for a team of two or more.

Travel funding is targeted at the following international markets:

• American Film Market (AFM),
• Cannes Film Market,
• Content London,
• European Film Market (Berlin) including Berlinale Co-Production Market,
• Frontières International Co-Production Market,
• Gamescom,
• Game Developers Conference (GDC),
• IDFA Forum,
• KidScreen Summit,
• MIP TV,
• MIPCOM,
• SeriesMania,
• Sunny Side of the Doc,
• Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) including CONNECTIONS Co-Production Market.

The SAFC will consider other markets or events on a case-by-case basis.

For more detailed information including eligibility and other requirements, term definitions, application instructions and evaluation criteria, please download the guidelines (linked below).

Guidelines

• Guidelines – Export Market Travel Fund – effective January 2026 (172 KB PDF)

Please contact us if you require these guidelines in an alternative format – see contact details for this program below.

Application process

Applications may be made at any time through the SAFC’s online grant portal safilm.smartygrants.com.au

Before applying, all applicants must read the SAFC’s Terms of Trade and speak to the SAFC regarding their intended SAFC grant request and expectations.

For more information, including eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria and application instructions, download the guidelines.

Contacts

Please direct all phone enquiries to the relevant staff below via
SAFC Reception on +61 8 8394 2000.

For initial enquiries, please contact SAFC Program Coordinator Julia Light [email protected]

For other enquiries, please contact SAFC Talent Development Manager Jessica Giacco [email protected]

SAFC Commitment to Access, Diversity & Inclusion

The SAFC is committed to supporting increased participation of people from groups under-represented in the SA screen industry which include:

• First Nations practitioners,
• Female identifying writers and directors,
• LGBTQIA+ practitioners,
• Practitioners residing in Regional or Remote areas of SA,
• Practitioners from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse background,
• D/deaf and/or disabled practitioners.

The SAFC recognises that barriers may prevent practitioners from under-represented groups from accessing our programs.

For a confidential discussion about your individual circumstances and/or access needs, please contact SAFC Program Coordinator Julia Light via SAFC Reception on +61 8 8394 2000 or email [email protected]

Professional Crew Attachments support practical, on-set skills development and training for early and mid-career South Australian crew through industry attachments in technical below-the-line roles.

Depth of the below-the-line crew base is essential to the ongoing advancement of the screen industry in South Australia. The Professional Crew Attachment program forms part of the SAFC’s commitment to providing training and development opportunities for people working in the South Australian screen industry.

Potential crew roles and skills gaps in the screen industry are identified by the SAFC, in consultation with the South Australian screen sector, and are reviewed regularly.

Professional Crew Attachments are a requirement of projects that receive $125,000 or more in SAFC Screen Production Fund funding or ABC SAFC Content Pipeline funding. 

What is on offer?

The successful applicant will be attached to a supervising crew member or Department Head who is obliged to provide appropriate tasks and supervision, creating tangible opportunities to learn, observe and assist in the relevant department.

The expected length of attachments should ideally accumulate to the minimum of the number of scheduled shooting weeks before the next attachment is engaged.

This can be across pre-production, production and post-production according to the position, nature of the production, and proposed skills development outcomes.

For more detailed information including eligibility and other requirements, term definitions, application instructions and evaluation criteria, please download the guidelines (linked below).

Guidelines

• Guidelines – Professional Crew Attachment – effective January 2026 (171kb PDF)

Please contact us if you require these guidelines in an alternative format – see contact details for this program below.

Application process

The SAFC will issue a Call for Applications on a project by project basis on the SAFC’s Professional Opportunities webpage. Once open, applications must be made via the SAFC’s online grants platform safilm.smartygrants.com.au.

The Production will select and contact the best candidate for the position directly.

Before applying, all Production Company applicants must read the SAFC’s Terms of Trade and speak to the SAFC.

For more information, including eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria and application instructions, download the guidelines.

Contacts

Please direct all phone enquiries to the relevant staff below via
SAFC Reception on +61 8 8394 2000.

For initial enquiries, please contact SAFC Program Coordinator Julia Light, [email protected]

For other enquiries, please contact SAFC Production Executive – Inbound and Studios Georgia Humphreys-Yuan, [email protected].

SAFC Commitment to Access, Diversity & Inclusion

The SAFC is committed to supporting increased participation of people from groups under-represented in the SA screen industry which include:

• First Nations practitioners,
• Female identifying writers and directors,
• LGBTQIA+ practitioners,
• Practitioners residing in Regional or Remote areas of SA,
• Practitioners from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse background,
• D/deaf and/or disabled practitioners.

The SAFC recognises that barriers may prevent practitioners from under-represented groups from accessing our programs.

For a confidential discussion about your individual circumstances and/or access needs, please contact SAFC Program Coordinator Julia Light via SAFC Reception on +61 8 8394 2000 or email [email protected]

The First Nations Practitioner Development fund supports First Nations key creatives, cast and crew to undertake professional development opportunities that will help to achieve career goals. The program advances the First Nations Screen Strategy by enabling First Nations screen practitioners to develop their craft, build their careers and grow their professional networks nationally and internationally.

What is on offer?

Funds may be sought as a contribution towards the travel and accommodation costs associated with undertaking a professional course or training program, attending an industry event, film festival (for which they have been selected), market or conference or participating in an attachment or placement with an established production company.

This program is only open to First Nations screen practitioners who are residents in South Australia.

Applicants must supply a budget for their travel and can apply for up to $2,500 per annum.

For more detailed information including eligibility and other requirements, term definitions, application instructions and evaluation criteria, please download the guidelines (linked below).

Guidelines

• Guidelines – First Nations Practitioner Development Fund – effective January 2026 (139 KB PDF)

Please contact us if you require these guidelines in an alternative format – see contact details for this program below.

Application process

Applications can be made through the SAFC’s online grant portal safilm.smartygrants.com.au

Before applying, all applicants must read the SAFC’s Terms of Trade and speak to the SAFC regarding their intended SAFC grant request.

For more information, including eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria and application instructions, download the guidelines.

Contacts

Please direct all phone enquiries to the relevant staff below via
SAFC Reception on +61 8 8394 2000.

For initial enquiries, please contact SAFC Program Coordinator Julia Light [email protected]

For other enquiries, please contact SAFC First Nations Programs Lead Brian Scarce [email protected]

SAFC Commitment to Access, Diversity & Inclusion

The SAFC is committed to supporting increased participation of people from groups under-represented in the SA screen industry which include:

• First Nations practitioners,
• Female identifying writers and directors,
• LGBTQIA+ practitioners,
• Practitioners residing in Regional or Remote areas of SA,
• Practitioners from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse background,
• D/deaf and/or disabled practitioners.

The SAFC recognises that barriers may prevent practitioners from under-represented groups from accessing our programs.

For a confidential discussion about your individual circumstances and/or access needs, please contact SAFC Program Coordinator Julia Light via SAFC Reception on +61 8 8394 2000 or email [email protected]

The South Australian Film Corporation is committed to supporting First Nations filmmakers to tell their stories, develop their screen storytelling craft and build their professional careers through practical learning opportunities and mentoring.

What is on offer?

The First Nations Short Film Program (FNSFP) is a skills development program for First Nations storytellers at all career levels.

The objective of the program is to support the career development of South Australian First Nations writers, directors, and producers.

The program will support scripted short films (not unscripted, factual, or documentary).

Stories that include the use of First Nations languages are encouraged.

This program will be delivered in two phases.

Experienced First Nations script consultants and/or mentors and an experienced supervising producer will provide support across both phases.

Phase 1 – Script Development Initiative (commencing July 2026)

Phase 1 will be delivered in partnership with The Mercury. South Australian First Nations writers are invited to apply with a concept for a 7–10-minute short film script.

Up to five (5) teams will be funded to develop a short film script from early concept to polished final draft.  The writers will receive support through workshops, one-on-one feedback sessions and industry mentorship.

Phase 1 will include a three-day in-person script development workshop with mentors (see Key Dates).

A networking event during Phase 1 will help writers to connect with short film directors and producers.

By the end of the program, each writer will deliver a polished short film script and be eligible to apply for Phase 2 – Production Initiative.

Phase 2 – Production Initiative

Projects successfully developed through the First Nations Short Film Program Script Development Initiative (Phase 1) will be invited to apply for the Production Initiative (Phase 2). Only those projects will be eligible for Phase 2.

Applicants will be required to apply as a team (writer, director, producer).

Up to two (2) teams will be selected to receive support through workshops, one-on-one feedback sessions and industry mentors, and up to $45,000 per project to produce their short film.

SAFC staff will work with the teams to introduce them to experienced crew and Heads of Departments.

Guidelines

• Guidelines – First Nations Short Film Program – effective July 2026 (172 KB PDF)

Please contact us if you require these guidelines in an alternative format – see contact details for this program below.

Key dates

Phase 1 – Script Development Initiative

• Thursday, 23 July 2026 – Applications open
• Thursday, 20 August 2026 – Applications close
• Friday, 28 August 2026 – Successful applicants notified
• Week Beginning Monday, 7 September 2026 – First meetings with mentors (online)
• Week Beginning Monday, 21 September 2026 – Three day workshop (in person)
• Friday, 16 October 2026 – Short film script due (first draft)
• Monday, 26 October 2026 – Script feedback with mentors – session 1 (online)
• Friday, 13 November 2026 – Short film script due (second draft)
• Monday, 16 November 2026 – Script feedback with mentors – session 2 (online)
• Monday, 23 November 2026 – Short film networking event (in person)
• Monday, 14 December 2026 – Polished short film script due

Phase 2 – Production

• Dates for Phase 2 will be advised separately.

How can I apply?

Applications can be made through the SAFC’s online grant portal safilm.smartygrants.com.au

You will need to submit:

• A one-line description or ‘logline’ and a 1–3-page synopsis of the idea
  For tips on how to write a synopsis visit Screen Australia | Info Guide | Story Documents
  
• A short bio
  Include your name, your current job title (if applicable), your home town, your professional goals and any relevant achievements or accomplishment in the screen and or arts industry.
  
• A Writer’s Statement (maximum of two pages)
  Include your vision for your project, the theme, the genre, style, tone and other film references. Ask yourself what are the motivations and goals for telling this story? What do you want to say? And why are you the best person to tell this story?
  
• Professional Development Statement maximum (maximum one page)
  Tell us how participating in this program will help you to achieve your goal of becoming  a screenwriter and director and how you will benefit from the program
  
• If available, please provide examples of your previous writing.

For more information, including eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria and application instructions, download the guidelines.

Virtual Q&A session

To help potential applicants learn more about the program, SAFC First Nations Programs Lead Brian Scarce and Mercury Head of Industry Adam Bishop will be holding a virtual Q&A session on Thursday, 30 July.

Date: Thursday, 30 July
Time: 6.00pm–6.45pm ACST
Location: Virtual, via Zoom
Click here to register

Contacts

Please direct all phone enquiries to the relevant staff below via
SAFC Reception on +61 8 8394 2000.

For initial enquiries, please contact SAFC Program Coordinator Julia Light [email protected]

For other enquiries, please contact SAFC First Nations Programs Lead Brian Scarce [email protected]

SAFC Commitment to Access, Diversity & Inclusion

The SAFC is committed to supporting increased participation of people from groups under-represented in the SA screen industry which include:

• First Nations practitioners,
• Female identifying writers and directors,
• LGBTQIA+ practitioners,
• Practitioners residing in Regional or Remote areas of SA,
• Practitioners from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse background,
• D/deaf and/or disabled practitioners.

The SAFC recognises that barriers may prevent practitioners from under-represented groups from accessing our programs.

For a confidential discussion about your individual circumstances and/or access needs, please contact SAFC Program Coordinator Julia Light via SAFC Reception on +61 8 8394 2000 or email [email protected]

The Heard…seen – First Nations Podcasting Initiative offers South Australian First Nations storytellers a professional development opportunity to learn foundational skills underpinning the three core phases of film, television and other screen content (pre-production, production and post-production), including narrative pacing, technical sound design, remote interviewing, and multi-platform distribution.

Delivered for the SAFC by experienced First Nations broadcaster and facilitator Raymond Zada, the initiative will encompass two workshops held in the Pirrku Kuu Hub (Story Room) at the SAFC in Adelaide, and post-workshop support.

Each participant will be mentored from start to finish to create a high-quality 10-15 minute pilot podcast episode. The completed episodes may be submitted for distribution on platforms such as IndigiTUBE, ABC Radio, NITV Radio, Spotify Podcasts, or Apple Podcasts.

What is on offer?

Up to eight places are available for First Nations storytellers from across South Australia, including applicants from regional and/or remote areas.

Two 2-day intensive workshops will be delivered in Adelaide over eight weeks , covering:

• Basic audio recording and editing principles and skills using a smartphone
• Developing effective audio interviewing techniques
• Building narrative storytelling skills in an audio podcasting format
• Understanding the fundamentals of podcasting and podcasting distribution pathways
• Producing a 10-15 minute pilot podcast episode per participant

The workshops will be followed by a Peer-to-Peer Presentation during which participants can discuss and explore their podcasts. Refreshments will be provided throughout the initiative, and dietary requirements can be accommodated.

Each successful participant will receive their polished podcast episode for their personal and professional use. They will be invited to register as an approved user of the Pirrku Kuu Hub with access to high-quality podcast recording equipment.

Guidelines

• Guidelines – First Nations Podcasting Initiative – effective July 2026 (181 KB PDF)

Please contact us if you require these guidelines in an alternative format – see contact details for this program below.

Application process

Applications can be made through the SAFC’s online grant portal safilm.smartygrants.com.au

Before applying, all applicants must read the SAFC’s Terms of Trade and speak to the SAFC regarding their intended SAFC grant request.

For more information, including eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria and application instructions, download the guidelines.

Contacts

Please direct all phone enquiries to the relevant staff below via
SAFC Reception on +61 8 8394 2000.

For initial enquiries, please contact SAFC Program Coordinator Julia Light [email protected]

For other enquiries, please contact SAFC First Nations Programs Lead Brian Scarce [email protected]

SAFC Commitment to Access, Diversity & Inclusion

The SAFC is committed to supporting increased participation of people from groups under-represented in the SA screen industry which include:

• First Nations practitioners,
• Female identifying writers and directors,
• LGBTQIA+ practitioners,
• Practitioners residing in Regional or Remote areas of SA,
• Practitioners from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse background,
• D/deaf and/or disabled practitioners.

The SAFC recognises that barriers may prevent practitioners from under-represented groups from accessing our programs.

For a confidential discussion about your individual circumstances and/or access needs, please contact SAFC Program Coordinator Julia Light via SAFC Reception on +61 8 8394 2000 or email [email protected]

In partnership with the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA), the Department of State Development (DSD), and supported by Create SA, the SAFC is supporting a South Australian presence at Melbourne International Games Week, running 2-11 October 2026.

Melbourne International Games Week (MIGW) is the largest digital games event in the Asia-Pacific region. Running since 2015, the multi-day festival brings together industry professionals, educators, and gamers to celebrate the culture and business of video games. The event encompasses Games Connect Asia Pacific (GCAP) (5-7 October), PAX Australia (9-11 October) and Play Now (8 October).

The SAFC is supporting a delegation of South Australian video game developers to travel to Melbourne for MIGW, attending GCAP and the Australian Game Developer Awards (AGDAs) and PAX Aus, with additional support available to any developers that are also attending the Play Now pitching event.

What is on offer?

Up to 12 travel grants of $2,000 are available for solo game developers and single developers as part of a development team (up to two applicants per team) to attend MIGW 2026. This funding will come in the form of a one-off grant, which must be used on travel and accommodation. A total of 12 applicants will be selected.

Successful applicants will also receive a three-day pass for GCAP, running 5-7 October at the Melbourne Convention Centre. This pass will also give applicants access to the GCAP meeting system and the AGDAs that will take place at the close of the conference.

Five of the 12 successful applicants will also be chosen to be included in the GCAP featured attendee listings, as well as gaining access to a GCAP VIP meeting room.

Prior to the week, SAFC will also host an online MIGW 2026 workshop specifically for selected applicants called “Commercial in Confidence” run by experienced games business development consultant, Jon Cartwright. This workshop will cover practical advice for developers attending MIGW, paying particular attention to increasing the success of commercial outcomes during potential GCAP meetings, Play Now attendance, and PAX Australia. Jon will also be choosing six projects for a private 1:1 pitch review.

Guidelines

• Guidelines – MIGW 2026 SA Delegation – effective June 2026 (165 KB PDF)

Please contact us if you require these guidelines in an alternative format – see contact and access details for this program below.

Key dates

• Applications open: Thursday, 11 June 2026
• Applications close: Monday, 22 June 2026
• Applicants notified: by Monday 29 June, 2026

Application process

Applications can be made through the SAFC’s online grant portal safilm.smartygrants.com.au

Before applying, all applicants must read the SAFC’s Terms of Trade and speak to the SAFC regarding their intended SAFC grant request.

For more information, including eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria and application instructions, download the guidelines.

Contacts

For further enquiries about this program, please contact Neil Rennison, Acting Game Development Executive, on 08 8394 2008 or email [email protected].

SAFC Commitment to Access, Diversity & Inclusion

The SAFC is committed to supporting increased participation of people from groups under-represented in the SA screen industry which include:

• First Nations practitioners,
• Female identifying writers and directors,
• LGBTQIA+ practitioners,
• Practitioners residing in Regional or Remote areas of SA,
• Practitioners from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse background,
• D/deaf and/or disabled practitioners.

The SAFC recognises that barriers may prevent practitioners from under-represented groups from accessing our programs.

For a confidential discussion about your individual circumstances and/or access needs, please contact SAFC Program Coordinator Julia Light via SAFC Reception on +61 8 8394 2000 or email [email protected]