Screen Australia – Narrative Content Production Program

The Narrative Content Production Program is Screen Australia's funding scheme for narrative content across online/direct-to-audience, television, and theatrical feature film platforms, replacing the former Feature Film Production, General TV Drama Production, Children's TV Drama Production and Online Production programs. It runs four rounds per financial year, with the next deadline 5pm AEST Thursday 30 July 2026 (decisions expected 10–12 weeks after, or at the 27 November 2026 Board meeting if recommended to Board). Applicants must be incorporated Australian companies with an ABN and control of the project's rights, though sole traders may apply for Direct-to-Audience projects requesting $300,000 or less (they must incorporate before contracting if successful). Government agencies are not eligible. Applicants must contact a Screen Australia Investment Manager before applying. Read more here

Funding is a percentage of the production budget, varying by platform and budget size, with a combined cap (direct funding + Producer Offset) that differs per stream: Direct-to-Audience up to 85% (budgets under $500k), tapering to 10% for larger budgets, combined cap 60%; Children's TV up to 20%, combined cap 50%; TV up to 15%, combined cap 45%; Feature Film Market First up to 15%, combined cap 55%; Feature Film Creative First offers a Letter of Interest up to $500,000 for budgets under $5M. Funding is typically a non-repayable grant if $500,000 or under, and a recoupable equity investment if over $500,000, with a minimum request of $150,000 for most streams.