The Online Development Fund is aimed at emerging Australian screen creatives, allowing them to access funding to develop the creative materials of their scripted or documentary projects with a primary release via an online platform.

In most cases this fund applies to projects releasing on social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook and TikTok, as well as Virtual Reality (and other Extended Reality) projects. Screen Australia recognises this part of the industry is fast-changing, so other release platforms may be eligible. 

The Online Development Fund should be considered as a potential step prior to applying for Online Production Funding. Applications may be made for up to $25,000 for a single stage of development. Funding for a proof of concept will be considered in addition to this, for any amount up to $30,000.

For larger budget projects aimed at a release on broadcasters or streaming platforms, applicants are advised to apply to the Screen Story Development Fund (Generate or Premium).

What funding is available?

Funding available is for development costs for scripted or documentary projects. The Development budget can include funding for any of the scripted creative materials necessary for a project, including but not limited to; writing a treatment, draft scripts, bible, research, writers’ rooms and key creative fees, as well as a filmed Proof of Concept. 

Screen Australia will only fund Australian creatives and costs of the development budget, excluding international consultants, mentors or script editors. 

Funding cannot be retrospective.

Applications

Applications are open all year round and can be made through Screen Australia’s  online application portal.

Who can apply?

Applications for the Online Development Fund are open to anyone who:

• meets all requirements and conditions in Screen Australia's Terms of Trade
• is an Australian individual or team. Co-productions may also apply with an application from the Australian Company.
• controls the rights whether they are the writer, director or producer.
• is able to develop, finance and produce the project for the intended platform and audience.

There are no minimum credit requirements to apply.

The project must be an online series or one-off XR project intended for public release on a screen-based device. Short films are not eligible to apply.

Online Development is for lower budget series or one-off XR project projects. It is targeted towards emerging talent as well as experienced practitioners who want to take creative risks.  Applications can be made by individuals or creative teams; however individual applicants must demonstrate the ability to attract other team members at later stages of development and production.

Specific requirements apply where a project involves First Nations content, stories, characters or community participation. Please see the Indigenous content, collaboration and participation section below and our Pathways and Protocols guide for more detail.

If your project has been declined twice through the Online Development Fund or any Screen Australia development program, it is not eligible to apply again.

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