To be eligible, applicants must:

• have a creative team (writer, director and/or producer) of minimum 50% Queensland residents, or a Queensland-resident solo creative practitioner
• demonstrate that you are the IP creator and owner of the story
  • if IP is owned by an interstate producer/creative, the application will only be considered eligible by demonstrating extraordinary benefits to Queensland by escalating above-the-line Queensland resident talent
• tell an original story developed for online spaces
• demonstrate that one member of the key creative team has experience producing online content
• only submit one application per round
• have not already received an Online Production Grant from Screen Queensland in the same financial year.

The following formats are eligible for the grants:

• episodic series created for YouTube, Facebook, TikTok or Instagram Reels*
• one-off XR** projects intended for public access on a screen-based device.

*Screen Queensland recognises this part of the industry is fast-changing, so other release platforms may be eligible.

**XR (Extended reality) is a term referring to all real-and virtual combined environments and human-machine interactions generated by computer technology and wearables. It included augmented reality (AR), augmented virtuality (AV) and virtual reality (VR).

Applicants are not eligible if they:

• are a full-time undergraduate, honours or masters student
• submit an application for a project that has been declined funding by Screen Queensland previously, except where it can be demonstrated the application has been significantly reworked prior to submitting—projects that have been declined twice are not eligible.

The following formats are not eligible for this production grant fund:

• short films (excluding single episode XR* projects)
• reality
• branded content
• light/lifestyle entertainment including panel and variety shows
• internal training content
• digital or online extensions to an existing film or TV program.

Production funding

The fund is split into two streams. The $50,000 stream which will support three projects per round, and the $100,000 stream which will support one project that demonstrates it has secured co-funding of a minimum of 50% of the grant amount ($50,000). Applications for the two streams will be assessed separately.

Applicants should consider the following:

• budgets should consider the chosen platform, experience of the team and length of series
• series are expected to run for approximately 20 to 30 minutes (total content)
• co-funding for projects applying for the $100,000 stream must be secured at the point of application, at a minimum of 50% of the Screen Queensland ask, with confirmation of co-funding provided to Screen Queensland. This co-funding cannot include reinvestment
• for productions where IP is owned by interstate producer working with Queensland key creatives, Screen Queensland funding will be capped at $50,000, with the expectation that co-funding is secured at the time of application.

Online Production Grants are for online series spanning any and all genres, including both scripted and factual content, and are open to applicants of all experience levels.

Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:

1. Creative strength
   • originality and distinctiveness of concept
   • quality of scripts, project bible, proof of concept or pilot (if available)
   • strength of pitch video
2. Marketing and release strategy
   • understanding of target audience and viewing habits
   • suitability of chosen release platform(s)
   • effectiveness of marketing plan to attract and build audience
   • measurable targets for success and plans to achieve them
3. Team
   • relevant experience and track record of key creative team
   • inclusion of at least one team member with online content production/release experience
   • potential for projects to contribute to the team’s career progression
4. Budget and financial plan
   • appropriateness of budget for project and release platform(s)
   • viability of finance plan, including additional funding sources
   • the projected Queensland production expenditure (QPE)
   • compliance with award minimum rates for all work performed by third parties on their project, as per the Screen Queensland Terms of Trade
     • where applicable, any minimum agreed between the relevant guilds is acceptable
     • Screen Queensland will consider projects where key crew (including key creatives) have chosen to waive or reinvest their fees, provided this is contractually documented.
     • productions require Workers Compensation Insurance and Public Liability Insurance which should be accounted for in the budget.
5. Diversity and inclusion
   • representation of diverse voices and perspective in proposed content and or key creative team
   • potential for project to contribute to diversity and inclusion in the Queensland screen industry
6. Other factors
   • the committee may also consider the overall diversity and range of projects supported through the program to date.

Online projects involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content will be eligible for Screen Queensland support where some or all of the intellectual property is owned by members of these communities. Please ensure that consultation with ICIP Rights holders and appropriate licences for ICIP Rights have been obtained and that you read and abide by Screen Australia’s Pathways and Protocols document.

Successful applicants enter a formal agreement with Screen Queensland outlining delivery, reporting, acquittal, and legal requirements including insurances for the production. Grants are paid over milestones, only for eligible costs.

Drawdowns will be paid on the following milestones:

• 80% on execution of contract
• 15% on commencement of post-production
• 5% on delivery and acquittal.

Applications require:

• a completed application form
• a pitch document or project bible that outlines the creative elements of the project
• a complete set of scripts for the proposed project.
  • scripts should include date and draft number and be formatted to industry standard.
  • provide each episode as a separate document.
  • draft scripts are acceptable
• one member of the key creative team needs to provide an example of previous work, proof of concept pilots are accepted and encouraged
• a marketing and release plan of no fewer than 3 pages and no more than 10 pages
  • the plan should thoroughly outline the intended audience and their viewing habits, the intended release platform and strategy to attract an audience
  • a digital strategist or a marketing agency is not essential, but if applicants intend to engage one, they should be attached at the time of the application
• a business impact and measurements of success document of no more than two pages
  • indicate how success will be measured on your specific project, and how you will achieve these targets
• Chain of Title documents
  • all Chain of Title documents, including all rights and development agreements (e.g. option agreements, extensions of option agreements, writers’ agreements, quitclaim deeds and co-development agreements)
  • all chain of title documents should be signed and dated
• an A-Z budget to completion and release of the series using the relevant standard Screen Australia budget template, including a column for Queensland production expenditure (QPE)
• a finance plan using the standard Screen Australia excel template, indicating that dates of confirmation of federal funding if relevant.
• a downloadable video pitch of no more than three minutes that introduces the key creative team, gives an engaging overview of the central concept and intended audience and provides a strong sense of the creative vision and passion behind the project.
• separate CVs for each of the key creatives.

Applicants are also encouraged to include a relevant proof of concept or sample of previous work that speaks to the project in question.