To be eligible, Applicants must:

• Meet the eligibility requirements in our Terms of Trade.
• Be a Western Australian Resident or a Western Australian Resident Company as defined in the Terms of Trade.
• Hold the underlying rights in the Project at the time of application.

Our expectation is that to be eligible for this funding, an applicant needs to be developing a project that aligns with the requirements under the Documentary Production Fund guidelines.

Projects must:

• Be a documentary feature, single, series, large format e.g. IMAX or innovative documentary format.
• Satisfy the documentary definition test outlined in the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) Documentary guidelines.

Read the program guidelines for more information. 

Funding of up to $25,000 per Project application is available.   

Funding is provided as an investment that is repayable if and when the Project goes into production. 

Examples of the types of activities that may be supported include: 

• Creation of pitch documents (e.g. outlines, treatments, pitch decks). 
• Undertaking strategic filming and/or editing required to create a sizzle reel. 
• Working with specialised researchers/writers. 
• Attachment of producer/executive producers to secure market investment and/or advance the Project to production. 
• Developing production schedules and budgets. 

Read the program guidelines for more information. 

Eligible applications will be assessed using the following criteria: 

• Commercial: The strength of the market interest (proof of market interest must be included in your application) and likely audience appeal of the concept. 
• Creative: The originality, quality, and strength of the concept. 
• Planning and delivery: The strength of the development plan, development budget, and the team’s ability/track record to deliver outcomes. 
• Benefits to Western Australia: Cultural, creative and economic benefits of the Project and its ability to deliver outcomes in Western Australia. Projects that have higher Western Australian elements (e.g. locations, talent) will be more competitive. 
• Diversity and inclusion: How the Project supports our commitment to driving greater diversity, inclusion and equity in the Western Australia screen industry. 

Read the program guidelines for more information.

Read the SmartyGrants application form.  The form lists the documents and supporting materials you need to provide with your application. 

We recommend discussing your application with our team before applying. Let them know if you need accessibility assistance to complete your application. 

How to apply 

• Complete the SmartyGrants application form.  
• Upload all required documents and supporting materials. 
• Submit your completed application online through SmartyGrants. 

After you apply 

• Applications are reviewed to ensure they meet the eligibility requirements in the program guidelines and the Terms of Trade. 
• Applications will be assessed by a panel of Screenwest management and experienced industry representatives who assess all eligible applications against the assessment criteria.  
• We will let Applicants know the outcome of their application by email or phone, within 8 weeks of the funding round closing date.  
• Funding Recipients will enter into a Development Investment Agreement with us.