Screen Australia’s Enterprise program returns

Screen Australia’s sector and talent development program Enterprise is again open for applications. The program was founded in 2009, and last took submissions in late 2017, allowing for a review to be undertaken throughout 2018.

Enterprise will now be run through Screen Australia’s Development Unit and there are two funding paths available:

• Enterprise Business & Ideas, which allows an Australian entity (e.g. company) to apply for funding to develop and deliver an innovative screen business proposal, hire a company placement and/or access business-building services.
• Enterprise People, which allows both emerging and experienced creatives to apply for funding for a domestic or international career placement, and/or other professional development opportunities.

Through the Enterprise program, Screen Australia aims to foster sustainable business models and careers. Priority will be given to proposals that demonstrate genuine innovation and can deliver benefits to the sector beyond the individuals and companies immediately involved in the Enterprise application.

“Whilst the majority of Screen Australia’s funding is project-based, Enterprise has an incredible legacy of building Australian screen businesses and providing career-defining opportunities for creators,” said Nerida Moore, Head of Development. “With this new incarnation of Enterprise, we are putting the focus squarely on the pursuit of ambitious, industry-changing proposals. We want to encourage businesses and individuals of all experience levels to be bold with the ideas and opportunities they pitch.”

“For successful applicants, the incorporation of Enterprise into our Development Unit will also mean we will be able to identify other opportunities for businesses and creatives across Screen Australia’s slate to multiply the impact of the program.”

Significant program changes include:

• Applications open all year, subject to budget availability. Applications will be assessed monthly.
• Simplified two-stage application process for Enterprise Business & Ideas, mirroring changes made to the rest of the Development Unit’s programs in July 2018.
• Greater flexibility of proposal duration, including up to two years for business ideas and domestic placements. Part-time placements are also eligible.
• Expanded funding offering, with one-off Enterprise People funding available for career consultants and mentorships, and one-off Enterprise Business & Ideas funding to develop business plans and get external corporate advice.
• Opportunities beyond standard company structures, with sole traders and not-for-profits all now able to apply for Business & Ideas.
• The introduction of a pilot Enterprise Exchange offering, which will give stage two Enterprise Business & Ideas applicants access to free professional advice from leading screen experts to help strengthen their applications.
• Encouraging co-funded placements, particularly in relation to Business & Ideas company placement proposals where the host company contributes to the cost of the staff member.
• A focus on inclusion, with proposals that can demonstrate they will help redress the underutilisation of female creators and talent from diverse backgrounds being highly regarded.

The upper funding limits of both Enterprise Business & Ideas and Enterprise People remain in line with previous iterations of Enterprise, including up to $400,000 for successful company applicants and up to $140,000 for individuals. Drama and documentary-based creators are eligible.

Industry Development Executive, Bali Padda will be the primary contact for Enterprise.

APPLY

• Applications are now open for 2018/19 financial year funding.
• Applicants must review the full guidelines before applying – see Enterprise Business & Ideas and Enterprise People
• Questions should be directed to Program Operations 1800 507 901.

ABOUT ENTERPRISE

Since it was first run in 2009, Screen Australia has invested over $36m in the Enterprise program, to the benefit of 92 screen businesses and ideas, plus 46 individual creators.

Alumni include Nel Minchin who was placed at In Films in 2015/16 and has since achieved director/producer credits on documentaries Making Muriel, Matilda & Me and the forthcoming feature Firestarter – The Story of Bangarra. In drama, Liz Kearney was placed at Arenamedia in 2014/15 and has achieved producer credits on Paper Planes, The Warriors and Acute Misfortune.

In business, Blackfella Films were funded in 2010 and have gone on to create some of Australia’s most significant screen titles including Redfern Now, First Contact and Deep Water, with new ABC series Black B*tch to air this year. Other companies funded have since become industry stalwarts, including Cordell Jigsaw Productions (now CJZ), Goalpost Pictures, Hoodlum and Ludo Studios.

Media enquiries

Jessica Parry | Senior Publicist

+ 61 2 8113 5833 | + 61 428 767 836 | [email protected]

Lidia Williams | Publicist and Events Officer​

+ 61 2 8113 1091 | + 61 468 784 170 | [email protected]

All other general/non-media enquiries

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