Open NowBusiness2025-26
2025-26 Development Program — NSW
Up to $50K available · Rolling Applications
Screen NSW
Screen NSW Development funding supports writers, directors and producers to develop fiction, documentary and online projects with distinctive ideas and ambitious stories. The program supports new ideas and talent in New South Wales and aims to strengthen the state's creative landscape and screen industry.
Funding
Up to $50K
Deadline
Rolling / Ongoing
Location
New South Wales
Who Can Apply
• Must meet Screen NSW Terms of Trade
• Applicant must be a writer or producer who is an Australian resident or citizen
• Applicant and/or at least one key creative team member must have an appropriate credit on a qualifying project or meet exemption requirements
• Applicant must hold the rights to the submitted project and be able to provide chain of title documents if required
• Authenticity of story elements is mandatory, with significant creative roles representing priority groups aligned to the story
• Non-New South Wales producer applicants must engage a New South Wales-resident writer
• Writer-only applicants can only receive one round of funding for a project without a producer
• Documentary applicants requesting shooting material must have a director attached
• Eligible projects include narrative fiction, documentary, factual and extended reality projects
Applicants must meet Screen NSW's Terms of Trade. The applicant must be either a writer or producer who is an Australian resident or citizen. The applicant and/or at least one member of the key creative team must have an appropriate credit on a qualifying project or meet the credit eligibility exemption requirements. Applicants must hold the rights to the submitted project and be able to demonstrate chain of title if required. Authenticity of story elements is mandatory and projects must have individuals in significant creative roles representing priority groups aligned to the project's story. Additional requirements include that non-New South Wales producer applicants must engage a New South Wales-resident writer, writer-only applicants can only receive one round of funding for a project without a producer, and documentary applicants must have a director attached where the request includes shooting material.
What's Funded
Development of narrative fiction, documentary, factual and extended reality screen projects, including preparation of materials such as series bibles, treatments and, for some documentary projects, shooting material.Before you apply
Check 2025-26 Development Program fit and evidence gaps before 30 June 2026
Use this business grant page to sanity-check eligibility, funding fit, evidence gaps and application effort before you commit days to drafting. If you already know the grant you want, the 48-hour audit gives a practical go/no-go view, reviewer-readiness score and next-step risks.
Get a 48-hour grant fit auditExpected Outcomes
Developed screen project concepts and materials, strengthened careers for key creatives, authentic story development aligned with priority groups, and stronger connections and reinvestment into the New South Wales screen economy.Key Information
Applicant Types
individualother
Stage
any
Funding Purposes
innovationcommunityother
Keywords
Screen NSWscreen developmentfilmtelevisiondocumentaryfictionextended realitywriters
Frequently Asked Questions
1
What is the 2025-26 Development Program?
The 2025-26 Development Program is a business grant offered by Screen NSW in Australia, providing Up to $50K in funding. Screen NSW Development funding supports writers, directors and producers to develop fiction, documentary and online projects with distinctive ideas and ambitious stories. The program supports new ideas and talent in New South Wales and aims to strengthen the state's creative landscape and screen industry.
2
How much funding does the 2025-26 Development Program provide?
The 2025-26 Development Program provides Up to $50K in funding.
3
Who is eligible for the 2025-26 Development Program?
- Must meet Screen NSW Terms of Trade
- Applicant must be a writer or producer who is an Australian resident or citizen
- Applicant and/or at least one key creative team member must have an appropriate credit on a qualifying project or meet exemption requirements
- Applicant must hold the rights to the submitted project and be able to provide chain of title documents if required
- Authenticity of story elements is mandatory, with significant creative roles representing priority groups aligned to the story
- Non-New South Wales producer applicants must engage a New South Wales-resident writer
- Writer-only applicants can only receive one round of funding for a project without a producer
- Documentary applicants requesting shooting material must have a director attached
- Eligible projects include narrative fiction, documentary, factual and extended reality projects
4
When does the 2025-26 Development Program close?
Applications close on 30 June 2026. This is a rolling program — new rounds may open.
5
What activities are funded?
Development of narrative fiction, documentary, factual and extended reality screen projects, including preparation of materials such as series bibles, treatments and, for some documentary projects, shooting material.
6
How do I apply for the 2025-26 Development Program?
Start by checking your eligibility using the free Beta Docs eligibility checker. If eligible, Beta Docs' AI-powered platform can help you draft, review, and refine your application to maximise your chances of success.
Need help applying?
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