To be eligible, the Applicant must: 

• Meet the eligibility requirements in the Terms of Trade.  
• Hold the underlying rights to the project at the time of application. 

 The Team must:  

• Must be a Western Australian resident filmmaking team (producer, writer, director).  
• Screenwest may consider an application from a team with a non-WA resident writer, however preference will be given to teams where all members are WA residents. 
• Must have a separate producer and director attached to the project. Submissions with producer/director applicants are not eligible.  
• The director and producer must each have at least one short film or equivalent project credit.  
• Directors must not have a theatrically released feature film credit or equivalent. Directors can only be attached to one successful Elevate project per funding round.  
• Directors of previous Elevate projects must demonstrate a compelling case as to why making a new Elevate project is an essential step in progressing their career. 

The Project must: 

• Be production ready and able to be completed within a 12-month timeframe.  
• All (100%) production and post-production must occur in Western Australia.  
• Be submitted as either an Elevate30 or Elevate70 project, not both. 

Read the guidelines for more information. 

The initiative will fund up to 8 films from one of two funding streams: 

Elevate30 (projects up to 7 minutes long)
Up to $30,000 per Project. 

Elevate70 (projects up to 10 minutes long)
Up to $70,000 per Project. 

Project Marketing and Festival Submissions
Up to $2,000 towards the cost of marketing the completed Lotterywest Elevate Project and submitting it to festivals. 

Read the guidelines for more information.

Eligible applications will be assessed using the following criteria: 

• The originality, strength, and distinctiveness of the script.  
• Evidence of a distinctive directorial voice and compelling storytelling style in the Director’s Statement and in the samples of the Director’s previous work.  
• Strategy for how the project will elevate the key creative team careers.  
• Quality and rigor of the supporting application materials, including consideration of the audience. The skills, relevant experience and track record of each of the key creative team.  
• The viability of the budget, schedule and production methodology is reflective of the script requirements.  

Read the guidelines for more information. 

Read the SmartyGrants application form which lists the materials you will need to submit as part of your application. 

We recommend you discuss your application with the team listed below to discuss your Project’s eligibility and any accessibility assistance required to complete your application. 

How to apply  

• Submit the online application form in SmartyGrants. 
• Upload all required documents and supporting materials. 

After you apply 

• Applications are reviewed to ensure they meet the eligibility requirements in the program guidelines and the Terms of Trade.  
• Your application will be assessed by Screenwest management and an external industry assessor against the assessment criteria. 
• Shortlisted applicant teams meet with the assessment panel to outline the vision for their project. The assessment panel is made up of the Elevate Executive Producer, an external industry assessor and Screenwest Management.  
• Final decisions are made by the Screenwest board. 
• We will notify Applicants of the outcome of their application by email or phone within 10 weeks of the funding round closing date.