Applications close: Monday 13 April, 9am AEST
PROOF, is a strategic new short film production initiative supporting the development, production and promotion of three proof-of-concept films for a $3 million – $5 million feature.
Each selected project will receive a production package worth $65,000 including:
- $20,000 in production funding
- $15,000 in complimentary equipment hire from Panavision and Sony
- $30,000 in post-production services from The Post Lounge
- AACTA professional memberships for all team members
- Access to exclusive audience and digital marketing workshops
- Attachment to an experienced Executive Producer
PROOF challenges traditional development models by putting audience strategy front and centre. The selected Queensland-based creative teams will be announced at the Gold Coast Film Festival, participate in audience and digital marketing workshops and take part in the AACTA Creative Launchpad program. The final product short films will also premiere at the 2027 AACTA Festival and open to public voting.
PROOF is presented by AACTA, in partnership with the Gold Coast Film Festival and supported by Screen Queensland, Invest Gold Coast, Panavision, Sony and The Post Lounge.
WHO CAN APPLY?
Applicants must:
- be emerging to mid-career above-the-line practitioner
- be a Queensland resident for at least 6 months immediately prior to applying
- be seeking to produce a feature film with a broad audience appeal, at a budget of $3 million – $5 million
- have produced at least two short films, or
- have created an online series or content with significant engagement (e.g. minimum 100,000 followers or strong viewership metrics), or
- have produced a micro-budget feature with some form of festival recognition.
WHAT DO I NEED TO APPLY?
To apply, you will need to provide a:
- one-pager for the associated feature film
- one-to-two-page extended synopsis for the associated feature film
- proof of concept screenplay with a runtime of 20 minutes or less
- proof of concept pitch deck
- CV for each attached creative team member
- links to previous work.
HOW WILL APPLICATIONS BE ASSESSED?
Applications will be assessed by a panel of representatives from AACTA, GCFF and Screen Queensland alongside exhibition and distribution executives.
The panel will be assessing projects on:
- clarity of concept
- target audience and market appeal
- story and emotional impact
- visual and stylistic vision
- feasibility and scope.
