To be eligible, you must:

• be a Queensland-resident producer or director (the applicant may fill both roles)
  • producer and director must both be current Queensland residents.
• directors must either:
  • have directed a minimum of one (1) short film that has screened at an industry-recognised film/screen festival
    OR
  • if the director does not have the above credit, the attached producer must hold credits on a minimum of two (2) fully budgeted, professionally produced and exhibited screen projects across short film, feature film, TV or online.
• be attached to only one project as a director per application round
• demonstrate that the creative team owns and/or has a clear Chain of Title of all underlying creative materials
• propose a film for cinema screens, with a clear theatrical-led release strategy
• complete production and post-production in Queensland
• present a budget that is a reasonable and realistic reflection of the project’s scope and demonstrates efficient use of the funding.
  • Any additional funding from other sources must be secured at the point of application.

Applicants must not:

• be a full-time undergraduate, honours or masters student.

Projects that are not eligible include:

• projects meant for online-first release
• episodic series for YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram Reels and one-off XR projects
• digital/online content for existing films or television series
• reality and light/lifestyle entertainment—including panel and variety shows
• primarily educational or internal training content
• branded content
• projects that have been declined funding by Screen Queensland previously, except where it can be demonstrated that the application has been significantly reworked before submitting
• projects that have already received Screen Queensland funding through another program (e.g. Development or Online Production Grants).

Applicants can apply for up to $50,000 in support towards the production costs of their short film. Co-funding is allowed, or your ask from Screen Queensland may form the entirety of the budget.

Applicants should outline the following within their budget:

• a proportion for contingency
• costs associated with promoting and distributing the film (e.g. festival entries, marketing and collateral)
  • it is expected that between 5–10% of the film’s budget is allocated to these costs
• any co-funding or financial support from third parties
  • Screen Queensland requires evidence of co-funding commitments within the application.

Screen Queensland is looking for projects:

• with an anticipated runtime of between 5 and 15 minutes
• of any genre and subject matter
• that demonstrate a professional standard
• that represent a significant opportunity for Queensland directors to develop their craft, gain experience and/or demonstrate their technical and creative skills
• that have a clear pathway to market.

Scripted or factual narrative short films are encouraged to apply.

Proof of concept films are eligible, provided the story told forms a complete, coherent, standalone narrative in its own right, and must have a clear market strategy regardless of plans for long-form expansion. Online projects may be eligible for our Online Production Grants, learn more here.

Applicants must provide:

• a sample of work as sole credited director of minimum five (5) minutes’ duration that has screened at a recognised film/screen festival
  • if a director lacks such a credit, the producer must be sufficiently experienced and credited
• a polished draft screenplay for your proposed short film 
• documentation demonstrating a clear pathway to market
• documentation demonstrating that the producing team has necessary IP/copyright control of the story (e.g. option agreement between writer and producer) 
• a market/festival strategy detailing how you will promote the film across multiple festivals and markets, including (for example) entering festivals both in and out of competition, budget for travel costs and marketing collateral
  • while not mandatory to premiere at a Queensland-based film festival, screenings at local film festivals in the distribution mix are encouraged.

Submission of an application constitutes acceptance of these Guidelines and the application terms and conditions.  

Your information will be used in accordance with Screen Queensland’s Privacy Policy which you hereby agree to by submitting this application.  

Applicants must notify Screen Queensland in writing if they have an actual, perceived or potential conflict of interest in applying for the Funding and, if so, the manner in which they propose to deal with the conflict.  

The applicant retains all intellectual property rights in its submission. The applicant grants an irrevocable, non-exclusive, royalty and fee free licence to Screen Queensland to use, adapt and modify its intellectual property rights in its submission for the purposes of Screen Queensland analysing and evaluating the applicant’s submission. 

Screen Queensland’s liability in relation to the application process is limited to $1.  

Screen Queensland reserves the right to change any element of the Funding, these Guidelines or the application process at any time and in its absolute discretion. 

You must read our Terms of Trade, QPE definition, and our corporate and strategic plans before preparing your application.  

Screen Queensland Terms of Trade 

Screen Queensland QPE Definition 

Screen Queensland Strategic Plan 2023–25 

Screen Diversity and Inclusion Network Charter 

Screen Australia Pathways and Protocols