Screen Australia cuts red tape

Screen Australia is pleased to announce the latest steps it is taking to reduce and streamline processes for the industry.

CEO of Screen Australia, Graeme Mason, said, “We first announced our plan to simplify and accelerate processes to the benefit of the industry in June by relinquishing copyright for all funding under $500,000, switching to a two-stage application process and no longer requiring Board approval for Letters of Interest.

“Our next phase in cutting red tape will simplify practices and eradicate unnecessary administration loops, including forgiving debt burdens, some of which date back 20 years. We believe these changes will make it easier for industry to work with us and vice versa.”

For all applications received after 6 December, the agency will:

• Relinquish its 2 per cent legal and administrative fees – which means applicants won’t need to include these in their budget.
• Make the switch to a paperless application process – in the lead-up to Screen Australia moving towards an Online Application Portal in 2015 all applications can be submitted via email to the agency.
• Write off debts under the old General Development Investment program – reducing the burden on applicants who have previously been required to budget for and declare a repayment when applying to the agency.

Reduce the number of drawdowns which will ensure approved funding reaches teams quickly and efficiently:

• Funding under $5,000 to be paid in one drawdown
• Development funding up to $50,000 to be drawn down in two tranches (90 per cent up front and 10 per cent upon delivery)
• Production funding under $500,000 to be drawn down in three tranches (60 per cent upfront, 30 per cent at an agreed point, and 10 per cent upon delivery).

Screen Australia will continue to review processes and programs to deliver the best outcomes for audiences and the industry.

These changes will enable more efficient investment in Australian stories.