ScreenACT

INFORMATION SESSION

On the Agenda

• ACT Screen Development Fund• Cannes 2015• Screen Industry Pod

ACT SCREEN DEVELOPMENT FUND

Different Funds Available

• ACT Screen Development Fund– Development (not production)– Commercial outcome– 1 round a year

• ACT Screen Arts Fund– Artistic practice– No commercial outcome– 1 round a year (Oct deadline for 2014)

• ACT Screen Investment Fund – Production/Post Production– Commercial outcome– Market attachment (4 times a year)

ACT Screen Development Fund

• Why we have made changes– Because not enough local projects are

commercially viable and accessing the ACT Screen Investment Fund

• In order to get a project off the ground, you need to partner – – Writers with producers…– Games developers with producers…

What’s different?

• No longer a grant– Back into the pool – Paid back if that project goes production (timing different

depending on type) – If doesn’t go into production – not paid back.

• Not a set amount– $50,000 pool– No tranches – But no more than $15,000 in one lot.

• Targeted at commercial outcomes (that hasn’t changed!)

Matched funding

• Limited funding available for matched funding with broadcasters or distributors

• This would require a development deal to be signed with market

• Short term loan• Up to $10,000.

Teams

• Preference will be given to teams– Historically individuals have not had success in

getting to market. • To applications that show real research and

market knowledge for that project.

The Application • Project Details • Project Title * • Project Type * (e.g. Feature, doco, TV, game)• Amount Requested *• Project One Liner*• Supporting Statement • What is your Project? * Maximum Allowed: 250 words.• Who is the team?* Maximum Allowed 250 words • How do you intend to spend the money? * Maximum Allowed: 250 words. • How will this funding help you achieve a commercially focussed result that could

lead to your project being produced and distributed? * Maximum Allowed: 250 words.

• Include: • Who is the audience? *• How were similar projects marketed, funded and received in the market place?*

• What is the estimated production budget for this project?*

• What is the plan to get market interest (e.g. a distributor/broadcaster)*

• Milestones over the period to be met e.g. First draft script, script notes, rewrite, marketing plan etc.; game design screen shots, games slice, marketing plan

• How does this project culturally and economically benefit the ACT? * Maximum Allowed: 250 words

• Supporting Material (for uploading)• CV of Applicant * (preferably producer) • Key Personnel CV *• Letters of Interest • Attach development budget and financing

plan* • Statement of Copyright * • Option/ownership agreement (if applicable)

Script development application example

• Producer fees – We would expect in most cases the producer to be the applicant– They will be held accountable for meeting milestones

• Writing fees• Developer/outside advice (eg substantial script report)• Plan of action – what is really going to move your project

forward towards a commercial outcome – Who is the audience?– What is the market?– What are the realistic next steps for the project.

• Budget/finance plan for the development phase

Output – script and marketing plan

Games development application examples

• Games• Producer’s fees

– We would expect in most cases the producer to be the applicant– They will be held accountable for meeting milestones

• Developer’s fees• Plan of action – what is really going to move your project

forward towards a commercial outcome – Who is the audience?– What is the market?– What are the realistic next steps for the project.

• Budget/finance plan for the development phase

Output – vertical slice and marketing plan

Doco development application example

• Producer fees – We would expect in most cases the producer to be the applicant– They will be held accountable for meeting milestones

• Director fees• Plan of action – what is really going to move your project

forward towards a commercial outcome – Who is the audience?– What is the market?– What are the realistic next steps for the project.

• Budget/finance plan for the development phase

Output – teaser and marketing plan

Marketing

• Producer led (applicant)• Project in advanced stage of development• Marketing plan is very specific to the project• Travel can be included if it is part of a realistic

market plan to attach distribution etc.

Marketing application example

• Producer fee• Marketing collateral – eg website development,

DVDs of trailer, business cards, flyers etc. • Travel - reasonable expenses to a specific market.

Eg SPAA Mart, AIDC, or Cannes, Berlin etc. • You must include final script or final product to

market, marketing planOutput – real leads and possible international sales.

Supporting Evidence

• We will not accept anything that has not been uploaded

• Be judicious in what you send – is that link the best to show your work?

Assessment

• Always external– One paid external (outside ACT) industry professional– One local industry professional– One ACT Government representative

• ScreenACT are not assessors• Our job is to make sure you put in the best

application you can• We act as the secretariat – minutes, papers etc.

Lodgement

• Online only. No hard copies of anything• Do not be late… it will shut at 5.00pm. – If you have a tech issue, that is not our problem!

• Use the form as guide in the guidelines doc• Cut and paste• But once you submit, that’s it – you can’t save

or go back…

Assessor Feedback

• Lack of real understanding of audience • Not the right format (film vs TV)• No clear path to market• Trying to do too much • Not thinking global• Not commercial

Questions?

European Film Market Mission Cannes 2015

• Following on from successful Cannes 2013, Berlin 2014

• Watch this space!

Screen Industry Pod

• Output: writers and producers who understand the industry plus a well developed, audience/market focused project:– Minimum first draft polished script– Solid Budget, finance and marketing plan

• Over 18 months• Bringing together writers and producers and

developing in parallel - at the same time• 3 phases: Early, Mid and Late Development

Phase 1 – Early DevelopmentWriter

ExpectationsHow do work with a producer

How to take feedback

Market & AudienceNew Distribution models

Legals

Script – outline

Feedback Session 1 – external and internal

Writing – incorporating feedback

ProducerExpectations

How to lead developmentHow to give feedback

Market & AudienceNew Distribution models

Legals

Multi PlatformPositioning

Feedback Session 1 – external and internal

Development Funding - When, where and how

Phase 2 – Mid Development

Writer

Writing – first draft

Feedback 2 – internal

Feedback 3 – external

Writing – incorporating feedback

ProducerWork with writer – what can

you do to help?

Feedback 2 – internal getting ready for external feedback

Feedback 3 – external

Market assessment

Phase 3 – Late Stage

Writer

Writing continued

Marketing docs

Writing – final polish of first draft

ProducerPreliminary

budget/financing plan

Marketing – Pitch docs and marketing collateral

SPA 2015

Let’s talk!!

Does this work?Have we missed anything• Production Management• Show runnerSuggestions?