Film Lab: New Voices is a low-budget feature film skills development initiative designed to provide a platform for the next generation of diverse, South Australian filmmaking talent. It is co-funded by the SAFC, Adelaide Film Festival (AFF) and Screen Australia.

Film Lab: New Voices offers a bold, ambitious, and creative program that will foster a new generation of key creatives and provide a tangible production and exhibition outcome.

The Film Lab: New Voices initiative has already proven a successful career accelerator development program since it was launched in 2020. The first film greenlit for production, sci-fi Monolith, had its international premiere in official selection at the renowned SXSW (South by Southwest) Festival in Austin, Texas in 2023 following its world premiere at Adelaide Film Festival in 2022, and has sold into the US and Europe, internationally positioning writer Lucy Campbell, director Matt Vesely and producer Bettina Hamilton as exciting talent to watch.

In 2023 the second feature film greenlit under the program was announced as animated comedy Lesbian Space Princess, which will premiere at the 2024 Adelaide Film Festival.

What is on offer?

Film Lab: New Voices will give three South Australian creative teams industry mentoring across a 12-month period to develop a low-budget feature film script.

Industry mentors with expertise in low-budget filmmaking will guide the three selected teams through a rigorous skills development program.

At the end of the development phase, one project will receive a $600,000 production grant to produce a feature film for premiere at the Adelaide Film Festival 2026.

For full program details please download the guidelines, linked below.

Key dates

Applications open: Tuesday, 24 October 2023

Film Lab: New Voices film screenings and meet-up events: October/November 2023 – see “helpful resources” section below for more details

Applications close: Friday, 24 November 2023

Confirmation of Film Lab: New Voices teams: February 2024

Development phase: March 2024 to March 2025

Final project moves into production: August 2025

World premiere: Adelaide Film Festival, October 2026

Guidelines & Downloads

• Film Lab: New Voices – Round 3 Guidelines (587kb PDF)
• Film Lab: New Voices FAQ (535kb PDF)

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

How can I apply?

Applications can be made in the form of an Expression of Interest via the SAFC’s online grants portal safilm.smartygrants.com.au. Teams can pitch up to three projects within a single application.

Applicants must discuss their application with the SAFC Production and Development Team prior to applying.

Before you apply, please make sure you are familiar with the SAFC’s Terms of Trade.

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

Helpful resources

Film Lab: New Voices Program Information Video

Find out how to apply for the Film Lab: New Voices program from SAFC Industry Development and Training Executive Kath McIntyre and get tips from previous participants of the program. Watch now below:

Film Lab: New Voices Film Screenings and Meet-up Events

Learn about low budget filmmaking, meet other potential applicants and potentially find a team for Film Lab: New Voices at one of several film screening and networking events being held across October and November, 2023.

Film Lab: New Voices is a low budget feature film program and the SAFC strongly suggests that applicants attend at least one of these screenings prior to submitting their application:

• Thursday 2 November, 6.00pm at The Mercury
  FREE screening of The Infinite Man plus Q&A with SA producer Sandy Cameron.
  Click here to register your place now
  Developed and produced under the SAFC’s original Film Lab program in 2011, The Infinite Man was selected to screen in the Visions program at SXSW in 2014, won the Silver Raven Jury Prize at the Brussels International Festival of Fantasy and the New Flesh (Best First Film) Award at Montreal’s Fantasia Film Festival. The film was released in cinemas nationally in Australia, and was nominated for a number of awards including the AACTA, SPA and Australian Film Critics Association Awards. Written and directed by Hugh Sullivan, produced by Kate Croser and Sandy Cameron.

• From Thursday 26 October – various locations
  Catch Film Lab: New Voices film Monolith, during its official Australian cinematic release. Some sessions include a Q&A with the creative team. Find a cinema session at flicks.com.au/movie/monolith

Where can I find out more?

Contact SAFC Industry Development and Learning Executive Kath McIntyre on 8394 2008 or via the National Relay Service on 1300 555 727 then 8394 2008, or email [email protected]

Accessibility Options

SAFC supports engagement from Deaf and disabled practitioners. For a confidential discussion of your access needs, please contact us at [email protected] or call Julia Light on 8 8394 2029 or via the National Relay Service.

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.

Growth of the below-the-line crew base is essential to the ongoing advancement of the screen industry in South Australia. The SAFC 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 industries.

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 regularly reviewed.

Professional Crew Attachments are a requirement of projects that have received $150,000 or more in SAFC Screen Production Grant 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 will be at least six weeks and should be equivalent to the number of scheduled shooting weeks. This can be across pre-production, production and post-production according to the position, nature of the production and proposed skills development outcomes. The duration of attachments will vary and is negotiated between the SAFC and the production prior to the call for applications.

Professional Crew Attachments are employed by the production company for the duration of attachment, at no less than the relevant industry award rate. Host production companies are expected to adhere to all requirements of the Fair Work Act. The production company will deduct tax and employee entitlements before their payment.

Key dates

The SAFC will issue a Call for Applications on a project by project basis via the Professional Opportunities page.

Guidelines

• Professional Crew Attachment Guidelines (139kb PDF)

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

How can I apply?

The SAFC will issue a Call for Applications on a project by project basis via the SAFC’s Professional Opportunities page.

Before you apply, please make sure you are familiar with the SAFC’s Terms of Trade.

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

Where can I find out more?

Contact SAFC Program Manager Jess Cahill on 8 8394 2012 or email [email protected]

Accessibility Options

SAFC supports engagement from Deaf and disabled practitioners. For a confidential discussion of your access needs, please contact us at [email protected] or call Julia Light on 8 8394 2029 or via the National Relay Service.

The SAFC is committed to supporting increased participation by people from groups underrepresented in the South Australian screen industry including; women, First Nations practitioners, Deaf and disabled, practitioners from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds, practitioners from LGBTQIA+ communities and practitioners from regional and remote areas.

The Targeted Diversity Attachment scheme supports the SAFC’s mission to build a more inclusive screen industry in South Australia, by providing paid on-the-job experience for diverse key creatives, below-the-line crew, post-production, digital and visual effects crew and game developers.

What is on offer?

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

The duration of attachments will vary and is negotiated between the SAFC and the host company prior to the call for applications.

Targeted Diversity Attachments are funded by the SAFC, at no less than the relevant industry award rate. Host companies are expected to adhere to all requirements of the Fair Work Act. The host company will deduct tax and employee entitlements before their payment.

Targeted Diversity Attachments cannot be used to substitute a paid role.

Guidelines

• Targeted Diversity Attachment Guidelines (152kb PDF)

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

How can I apply?

Targeted Diversity Attachment opportunities are mutually agreed upon by the SAFC and the host company in advance. When opportunities become available, SAFC will issue a Call for Applications via the Professional Opportunities page.

Before you apply, please make sure you are familiar with the SAFC’s Terms of Trade.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by SAFC staff for an interview with SAFC and the host company. The SAFC and the host company will mutually select the best candidate for the position.

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

Where can I find out more?

For initial inquiries, contact SAFC Program Manager Jess Cahill on 8 8394 2012 or email [email protected]

Accessibility Options

SAFC recognises that barriers may prevent practitioners from underrepresented groups from accessing programs. For a confidential discussion of your access needs, please contact us at [email protected] or call Julia Light on 8 8394 2029 or via the National Relay Service.

For 38 years, the Screen Producers Australia (SPA) Screen Forever Conference has championed the talent, passion and achievements of the Australian screen industry, providing a vital forum for discussion and debate on the issues and challenges that affect all screen businesses.

Each year attendees include key Australian and International industry practitioners involved with producing, distributing and financing screen content. The three-day program offers a mix of networking events, keynote addresses, panel discussions, pitching opportunities and the SPA Connect marketplace.

Screen Forever will take place on the Gold Coast, Queensland from 19-21 March 2024.

What is on offer?

Up to 10 discounted tickets for:

• mid-career and established South Australian producers
• South Australian key creatives from under-represented groups

Successful applicants will receive a discounted SPA members ticket, providing a saving of $481 plus GST.

For more information on tickets, please visit the Screen Forever website: screenforever.org.au/38

Key dates

Submit your application through the SAFC’s online grant portal at safilm.smartygrants.com.au

Before you apply, please familiarise yourself with the SAFC’s Terms of Trade and Strategic Plan.

Successful applicants will be notified by email and will be required to enter into a grant agreement with the SAFC.

An acquittal must be submitted within 1 month of Screen Forever 2024 conference.

The decision on applications will be final.

Applications open: Friday 1 December 2023

Applications close: Friday 22 December 2023

Applicants notified: Friday 19 January 2024

Guidelines

• Conference Subsidy AIDC 2024 (141 KB PDF)

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

Where can I find out more?

Contact SAFC Program Manager Jess Cahill on 08 8394 2012 or [email protected]

Accessibility Options

SAFC supports engagement from Deaf and disabled practitioners. For a confidential discussion of your access needs, please contact us at [email protected] or call Julia Light on 08 8394 2029 or via the National Relay Service.

Established in 1987, the Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) is the Asia-Pacific’s premier event for documentary, specialist factual and unscripted entertainment. The AIDC operates Australia’s only dedicated documentary and factual media market. The conference brings together international and national decision makers and buyers and hosts a range of pitching opportunities with market partners.

AIDC 2024 will take place from 3 – 6 March in Melbourne and 7-8 March Online.

What is on offer?

• Up to ten All Access conference passes for mid-career and established South Australian factual producers, providing an 100% discount on the purchase of an All Access Pass
• To support the aims of the SAFC Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, early career factual key creatives from under-represented backgrounds are also eligible for this subsidy.

Successful applicants will receive a link from the SAFC to apply the discount when they register for an AIDC All Access Pass.

For more information on passes, please visit the AIDC website: https://www.aidc.com.au/register/passes/

Key dates

Applications must be submitted through SAFC’s online grant portal Smartygrants at https://safilm.smartygrants.com.au/

Before you apply, please familiarise yourself with the SAFC’s Terms of Trade and Strategic Plan.

Successful applicants will be notified by email and will be required to enter into a grant agreement with the SAFC.

An acquittal must be submitted within 1 month of AIDC 2024. The decision on applications will be final. No extensions will be granted.

Applicants are encouraged to discuss their eligibility with the SAFC prior to applying.

Applications open:                 Friday 10 November, 2023

Information Webinar: Wednesday 29 November, 2023 – register now

Applications close:                 Friday 12 January, 2024

Applicants notified:                Friday 19 January, 2024

Guidelines

• Conference Subsidy AIDC 2024 (139 KB PDF)

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

Where can I find out more?

Contact SAFC Program Manager Jess Cahill on 08 8394 2012 or [email protected]

Accessibility Options

SAFC supports engagement from Deaf and disabled practitioners. For a confidential discussion of your access needs, please contact us at [email protected] or call Julia Light on 08 8394 2029 or via the National Relay Service.

The Export Market Travel Fund supports South Australian screen producers and game developers to take finance ready projects to the international marketplace.

Funding recipients are expected to raise export finance for their project at the market as a result of SAFC support.

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

* Where a contingent of South Australian companies are seeking to attend the same marketplace, SAFC may award funds at a lower level to ensure equity of participation. Applicants should speak to the SAFC Program Coordinator prior to application.

Key dates

Applications are open at any time here: https://safilm.smartygrants.com.au/

Applications will be accepted for projects with travel from 1 July 2022.  

Applicants are advised that the maximum turnaround time for application decisions is two weeks and this timeframe should be considered when submitting an application.

Guidelines

• Travel Funding Guidelines (139 KB PDF)

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

Where can I find out more?

Contact SAFC Program Manager Jess Cahill on 08 8394 2012 or [email protected]

Accessibility Options

SAFC supports engagement from Deaf and disabled practitioners. For a confidential discussion of your access needs, please contact us at [email protected] or call Julia Light on 08 8394 2029 or via the National Relay Service.

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 (2020-25) 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 $1,500 per annum. Funds through this program may be combined with other SAFC programs such as Conference and Market Subsidy or Export Market Travel Funding and with funding from other agencies including Screen Australia.

Travel costs to meet with broadcasters or decision-makers will not be eligible for funding through this program unless the meeting is scheduled to take place within a recognised festival, conference, or market.

Key dates

Applications are open at any time here: https://safilm.smartygrants.com.au/

Guidelines

• First Nations Practitioner Development Fund Guidelines (139 KB PDF)

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

Where can I find out more?

Contact SAFC First Nations Industry Development Executive on 08 8394 2000 or [email protected]

Accessibility Options

SAFC supports engagement from Deaf and disabled practitioners. For a confidential discussion of your access needs, please contact us at [email protected] or call Julia Light on 08 8394 2029 or via the National Relay Service.

The South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) and Adelaide’s free-to-air community television station Channel 44 are partnering to continue to provide career pathways for First Nations screen makers.

Channel 44 reaches a cumulative monthly free-to-air audience of 148,000 viewers across the Adelaide metro area, a growing audience on community TV streaming platform CTV+, and a social media reach of 51,000 per month.

Over the past few years this partnership has provided an important platform for First Nations voices, including Mob Talks, a series created and produced by participants of the First Nations Internship Program to address social issues in First Nations communities with funding secured through the Community Broadcasting Foundation.

Also First Nations Fringe, a series profiling First Nations artists performing in the Adelaide Fringe, including musicians Electric Fields, comedian Josh Warrior and actor Elaine Crombie. As well as providing opportunities to work on a wide range of C44 productions, from documentaries to social media content to live events.

The inaugural SAFC Channel 44 First Nations Interns were announced in February 2021 – read more.

What is on offer?

The FNIP will support up to five 80-hour internships in which First Nations screenmakers will be will be mentored by experienced Channel 44 staff across key creative and crew roles, including hands-on experience in television production, to learn new skills and create original content.

What duties interns do will depend on current skills and experience, the opportunities available at the time of the internship, and what skills interns would like to learn, but might include such roles and functions as:

• Assistant Producer
• Marketing Assistant
• Broadcast Assistant
• Production Assistant, or
• Editor

On the completion of 80 hours, interns will receive a stipend of $1,000. Opportunities for paid work on future Channel 44 productions may be available.

Applicants must identify as being First Nations (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander), and must be based in South Australia. Applicants must have an interest in TV production. Some filmmaking experience is preferred, but not essential.

Guidelines

• SAFC and Channel 44 First Nations Internships Guidelines (172kb PDF)

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

How can I apply?

Applications are open year-round via the Channel 44 website. Go to c44.au/2023/06/26/internships-available-for-aspiring-first-nations-screenmakers

Where can I find out more?

For more information, contact Albert Jamae, Channel 44 Production and Development Manager on 0420 984 239 or email [email protected]

Accessibility Options

SAFC supports engagement from Deaf and disabled practitioners. For a confidential discussion of your access needs, please contact us at [email protected] or call Julia Light on 8 8394 2029 or via the National Relay Service.

The Emerging Writers’ Incubator is a nationwide initiative to develop historically excluded and underrepresented scripted writing talent in the Australian screen sector. This third year of the Incubator is presented by SBS, in partnership with Screen Australia, the SAFC, Screen NSW, VicScreen, Screen Tasmania, Screen Queensland and Screenwest and with the assistance of the Australian Writers’ Guild.

Working with some of Australia’s leading production companies, the Incubator aims to promote inclusion among Australian screenwriting talent and to provide significant work experience in drama production to writers with lived experiences that have been historically excluded from the sector.

For the purpose of this initiative, historically excluded means those who:

• identify as First Nations Australians;
• are from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds;
• are Deaf or disabled;
• are Female or Trans/Gender diverse;
• identify as LGBTQIA+; and/or
• are located in regional and/or remote areas.

What is on offer?

Six successful candidates, one from each of the participating States and Territories, will be employed full time for 12 months in leading Australian production companies acclaimed for their delivery of Australian drama.

Placements will commence from approximately November 2023 (or as soon as possible after contracting). The intention is that Selected Writers will work across these host companies’ entire drama slate (irrespective of commissioning network / platform).

The Selected Writer from South Australia will be placed with producers Linda Ujuk and Kate Butler at KOJO Studios.

Key dates

Applications for this program have closed.

Shortlist interviews are estimated to take place between Monday 18 September and Friday 13 October, 2023.

Applicants notified: by Friday 20 October, 2023.

Successful writers commence placements: From approximately November, 2023.

Guidelines

• SBS Emerging Writers’ Incubator Guidelines (209kb PDF)

How can I apply?

Submit your application through the SAFC’s online grant portal at safilm.smartygrants.com.au

Before you apply, please make sure you are familiar with the SAFC’s Terms of Trade.

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

Where can I find out more?

Contact SAFC Program Manager Jess Cahill on 8 8394 2012 or email [email protected]

Accessibility Options

SAFC supports engagement from Deaf and disabled practitioners. For a confidential discussion of your access needs, please contact us at [email protected] or call Julia Light on 8 8394 2029 or via the National Relay Service.