First Nations TV Drama Development Program: Funding Opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Creators

The First Nations TV Drama Development Program, offered by Screen Australia, supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creators in developing compelling TV drama projects. The program provides funding to enhance project materials, ensuring they are competitive for production finance. The next application deadline is 5pm AEST on 22 October 2026. Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: Screen Australia

- Opportunity Type: Development Funding

- Funding Amount: Up to $65,000

- Eligible Applicants: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander producers, writers, and writer/directors

- Eligible Countries: Australia

- Deadline: 5pm AEST, 22 October 2026

- Project Duration: Not specified in the source

About the Opportunity

The First Nations TV Drama Development Program aims to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander storytellers by providing financial support for the development of TV drama projects. This initiative seeks to foster engaging storytelling that resonates with audiences and enhances the competitiveness of projects seeking production finance. Funding and Benefits

- One-offs: Up to $30,000, or up to $45,000 if a producer is attached.

- Series: Up to $65,000, except in exceptional circumstances.

- Funding covers the development of treatments, scripts, series bibles, project development, research, and securing production financing. Who Is Eligible?

- Applicants: Must be producers, writers, or writer/directors.

- Directors and Writers: Must be Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander practitioners with at least two eligible drama credits.

- Co-writing Teams: Must originate from an Indigenous writer.

- Producers: Must be experienced or have at least two eligible drama credits, or be emerging producers working with experienced producers.

- Outstanding applicants from the First Nations Department’s Special Initiatives may be invited to apply. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas - Development of telemovies or TV drama series. - Creation of scripts, series bibles, and project development materials. - Activities aimed at securing production financing. Why This Opportunity Matters This program is crucial for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creators seeking to develop high-quality TV drama projects. By providing financial support, it helps ensure that Indigenous stories are well-represented and competitive in the media landscape, fostering cultural diversity and storytelling. How to Apply

- Review Guidelines: Download and read the First Nations Funding Guidelines from the Screen Australia website.

- Prepare Application: Ensure all required documents, including Chain of Title documents, are ready.

- Submit Application: Applications are open year-round via the Application Portal.

- Deadline: Submit by 5pm AEST, 22 October 2026.

- Notification: Expect a decision approximately six weeks after the deadline.

Application Tips or Common Mistakes - Ensure the original concept in co-writing teams is from an Indigenous writer. - Clearly articulate development notes and strategies for addressing project issues. - Verify all eligibility criteria are met before applying. Frequently Asked Questions What is the maximum funding available for a series? The maximum funding for a series is up to $65,000, except in exceptional circumstances. Who can apply for this program? Eligible applicants include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander producers, writers, and writer/directors with the required drama credits. What are the application deadlines? The next deadline is 5pm AEST on 22 October 2026, with subsequent deadlines on 14 January 2027, 11 March 2027, and 6 May 2027. How are applications assessed? Applications are evaluated based on the strength of the concept, storytelling quality, development notes, team skills, and project viability. Where can I find more information? Visit the Screen Australia website for detailed guidelines and application instructions. Next Steps Eligible applicants are encouraged to review the official guidelines thoroughly and prepare their applications according to the specified requirements. For more information and to apply, visit the Screen Australia website.