This program is designed to assist the career development of talented filmmakers who can demonstrate a strong commitment to a career in the film industry. 

Internships assist practitioners whose careers would benefit from an attachment to a person, production or organisation. This is not an entry-level scheme.

An internship may take many forms and involve features, documentaries, animation, interactive digital media, TV drama or comedy series. For example:

• a director might attach themselves to a more experienced director on a production
• a producer might spend time in a TV production house to observe the script development and creative management process, or they may wish to work with a more senior producer developing a financing plan for a project of their own
• an animation filmmaker may wish to enhance specific technical or creative skills
• a filmmaker may want to hire a more experienced producer or director as a consultant on their own funded production.

Up to $20,000 may be requested (other than in exceptional circumstances), supported by a budget.

Funding decisions will be made against the following criteria:

• the potential of the applicant and their commitment to a career in the film industry, as evidenced by previous work
• the quality of the mentor or mentor organisation and the level of access the applicant will have to them
• the quality of the proposed program the applicant and mentor have negotiated
• the strategic benefit of the program to the applicant at this stage of their career.

All of the above criteria are equally weighted.

Who can apply?

The potential intern must:

• meet the general eligibility requirements of Screen Australia’s Terms of Trade
• be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australian
• only apply for the internship funding twice in their career.

No minimum credits are required, but previous work will be considered in assessing the applicant’s commitment to screen storytelling as a career.

• Phone: 1800 507 901
• Email: FirstNations@screenaustralia.gov.au