Screen NSW will offer some new programs in 2012 - 2013 and the decision has been made to put on hold the VFX Placement Scheme and the Above the Line Attachment Scheme for this year.

Screen NSW has rebalanced its support towards its project development programs and production finance programs, which are experiencing highest demand.  This rebalancing has taken into account the current structure of the industry in the State, which now includes significant and expanding production businesses with the capacity to create opportunities for emerging practitioners.

The popular Aurora program will continue to be offered and details will be available through the Screen NSW website later in the year.

The changes also involve the introduction of new programs described below.

New Slate Loan Fund

Screen NSW has established the Slate Loan Fund.  This program is designed to support growing NSW companies in the development of businesses and projects, leading to the generation of increased production in the State.

Loan funds may be used for a variety of purposes including implementation of a new business strategy, the development of a slate of appropriate projects from story outline stage onwards, costs associated with financing projects, fees for key members of a creative team, and infrastructure or running costs. 

The Slate Loan Fund is targeted at significant production businesses in NSW with a commitment to production in NSW and a proven ability to repay the loans. This alternative path for development funding also has the benefit of reducing pressure on the general development fund which will continue to offer favourable terms for NSW producers to retain investments provided for produced projects. 

The Slate Load Fund will commence on 1 July 2012 and will run as a pilot programme for 2 years with one round per year.  Further information will be available through the Screen NSW website and newsletter when applications open for the first round in late July 2012.

Interactive Media Fund

Screen NSW welcomes its new role in managing the Interactive Media Fund (IMF), the NSW Government's initiative to support the digital economy by developing interactive media capability in NSW.  Information on the IMF, including guidelines and application forms, can be found here. 

Applications to the IMF can be made at any time and will generally be assessed at quarterly meetings on the following dates:

30 August 2012
7 November 2012
27 February 2013
8 May 2013

In order to be considered at a particular meeting and to allow time for thorough assessment, applications need to be received no later than 7 weeks prior to the assessment meeting.  For the meeting scheduled for August 30th, applications should be received by 11 July.

Replacement Program

A new Strategic Opportunities program has also been established to take advantage of partnership opportunities as they arise throughout the financial year.  This will replace the previous Special Initiatives program. Details of this program will be available soon on the Screen NSW website.

Screen NSW will continue to offer its other programs into the new financial year.

Further information will be provided on the timing of the opening of applications for the Screen Audience Development Fund for 2012 - 2013 (this program was recently transferred from Arts NSW).

Administration fees abolished

Screen NSW has also made the significant move to abolish administration fees for production investment of $150,000 or more, reducing costs to producers for projects contracted after 1 August 2012.  Investments under $150,000 have not attracted an administration fee.