Screen Australia

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Screen Australia is Australia’s federal government funding body for film, television, and online screen content. It was created on 1 July 2008 by merging three agencies: the Australian Film Commission, the Film Finance Corporation Australia, and Film Australia Limited. It is based in Sydney and has around 95 staff.

What it does
- Funds the development, production, promotion, and distribution of Australian narrative and documentary screen content.
- Provides financial support, services, facilities, programs, and equipment to creators.
- Administers the Producer Offset tax rebate for Australian screen content as part of the Australian Screen Production Incentive (other rebates are managed by a different department).

Indigenous programs
- The Indigenous Department began in 1993 and continued under Screen Australia, aiming to boost Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander involvement in the industry.
- Funds projects with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander leadership and key creative roles.
- By 2018, it had funded over 160 projects with an annual budget around AU$3.3 million.

Funding programs and how to apply
- Screen Australia runs programs for Indigenous projects, documentaries, feature films, and for pitching content to international markets.
- In 2018, Generate and Premium funds were introduced to reduce barriers for new applicants.
- To apply, creators submit a one-page synopsis and a three-minute pitch video describing the story, audience, and reach.

Recent activity and leadership
- In 2021/22, Screen Australia spent about AU$2.29 billion on drama, including AU$1.51 billion on Australian titles.
- In 2018/19, it provided nearly AU$76 million in direct funding; 2019/20 saw AU$41 million approved for narrative productions.
- The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to emergency funding, remote-work projects, and new funds to support the industry, including a COVID-19 Budget Support Fund and a Temporary Interruption Fund.
- As of 2025, the CEO is Deirdre Brennan, the COO is Grainne Brunsdon, the chair of the Board is Michael Ebeid, and board member Deborah Mailman is among the directors.

Overview
Screen Australia is the main government-backed source of funding and support for Australian screen creation, aimed at developing a diverse, innovative, and commercially viable Australian screen culture.