Call for Applications: Development Funding Programme (South Africa)

Deadline: 14-Sep-26

The KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority Script Development Funding Programme supports KwaZulu-Natal-based or KwaZulu-Natal-born filmmakers, producers, and writers in developing original scripts and audiovisual projects. The programme provides development funding and professional support for film, television, animation, and documentary projects, helping emerging and established creatives transform strong concepts into professionally developed screen content. What Is the KwaZulu-Natal Film Fund? The KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority established its Film Fund in 2014 to stimulate the growth of the province’s film and television industry. The wider Film Fund supports activities across the audiovisual value chain, including: - Television production. - Feature films. - Short films. - Animation. - Documentaries. - Script and project development. - Marketing and distribution. - Audience development. - Participation in film markets and festivals. The Script Development Funding Programme specifically focuses on the early development stage, helping filmmakers turn ideas and concepts into strong, production-ready scripts and projects. What Does the Script Development Programme Support? The programme is designed to nurture original storytelling and develop the creative capacity of KwaZulu-Natal’s film sector. Funding can support the development of eligible audiovisual concepts into stronger projects through activities such as: - Scriptwriting. - Story development. - Narrative development. - Project development. - Creative research. - Professional development. - Preparation of development materials. The programme aims to encourage stories that reflect the diversity, culture, people, experiences, and creative landscape of KwaZulu-Natal. Who Is Eligible? The programme is open to filmmakers, producers, and writers who are either based in KwaZulu-Natal or were born in the province. Applicants can come from different stages of the film industry, including individuals with experience in: - Student productions. - Independent filmmaking. - Internships. - Assistant roles. - Entry-level film and television work. - Professional productions. - Established industry work. Producer applicants are categorized into three tiers.

Tier 1: Established Producers

Tier 1 is intended for experienced producers who have an established professional track record and meet the programme’s relevant experience and qualification requirements.

Tier 2: Intermediate Producers

Tier 2 supports producers with developing professional experience and an existing record of relevant film, television, or audiovisual work.

Tier 3: Emergent Producers

Tier 3 is designed for emerging producers who are building their careers and can demonstrate relevant experience, qualifications, or participation in student, independent, internship, assistant, or other entry-level productions. Applicants should carefully assess the specific requirements applicable to their producer tier before applying. What Are the Residency Requirements? Applicants must have a clear connection to KwaZulu-Natal.

Applicants can qualify by being:

- Primarily resident in KwaZulu-Natal; or - Born in KwaZulu-Natal but currently living elsewhere. Applicants who were born in the province but now reside outside KwaZulu-Natal must provide an unabridged certificate confirming KwaZulu-Natal as their place of birth. What Projects Are Eligible? Eligible project categories depend on the applicant’s applicable tier and programme requirements.

Supported formats include:

- Short films. - Made-for-TV productions. - Short documentaries. - Television series. - Animation. - Feature films. Applicants should ensure that their proposed project category is permitted for their particular producer tier before submitting an application. What Is the 50% KwaZulu-Natal Spending Requirement? All supported projects must demonstrate that at least 50% of the total project budget will be spent in KwaZulu-Natal. Applicants therefore need to provide a detailed budget showing the planned KwaZulu-Natal expenditure. This requirement is intended to ensure that Film Fund investment contributes directly to the province’s creative economy and local industry. Why Does the Programme Matter? Script development is an important stage in the film and television production process because a strong script provides the foundation for production, financing, casting, distribution, and marketing.

The programme can help:

- Develop new filmmaking voices. - Strengthen local screenwriting talent. - Improve the quality of film and television concepts. - Create professional development opportunities. - Encourage original KwaZulu-Natal stories. - Build the province’s production pipeline. - Increase participation in the local creative economy. - Support emerging and developing producers. - Position KwaZulu-Natal as a diverse film destination. The programme is particularly valuable for creatives who have strong ideas but require professional development support to turn those ideas into well-developed screen projects. How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Your KwaZulu-Natal Connection

Determine whether you qualify based on residency or place of birth. If you currently live outside KwaZulu-Natal but were born in the province, prepare the required unabridged certificate confirming your place of birth.

Step 2: Identify Your Producer Tier

Determine whether you fall under Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3 based on your professional experience, qualifications, and production history.

Step 3: Select an Eligible Project

Confirm that your proposed project falls within an eligible format for your tier. Possible formats include short films, made-for-TV productions, short documentaries, TV series, animation, and feature films.

Step 4: Develop the Story Concept

Prepare a clear project concept that communicates: - The central story. - Main characters. - Themes. - Creative vision. - Intended audience. - Format. - Development objectives. The project