Project Development Grants for Filmmakers and Writers 2026

📖 About Screen Territory Project Development Grants

The Project Development Grants program aims to assist creative practitioners in significantly developing screen projects. It supports both first-stage and late-stage development, ensuring that projects are prepared for production finance, audience engagement, and strategic growth.

💰 Benefits

• First-stage development: Up to $10,000
• Late-stage development: Up to $20,000
• Multiple grants per project: Total funding up to $30,000, unless exceptional circumstances are demonstrated

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Residency: Northern Territory residents or NT-based companies
• Collaboration: Co-productions allowed if genuinely collaborative and include a NT writer or writer/director
• Project rights: Applicants must hold or have an option to acquire the rights to the project
• Credit requirements:
  • First-stage funding ($10,000): At least two eligible screen credits of 10 minutes or longer
  • Late-stage funding ($10,001–$20,000): At least two eligible credits of one hour, or two 30-minute broadcasts
• Eligible credits: Must include ‘Produced by,’ ‘Directed by,’ or ‘Written by’ on a project that has:
  • Been selected for an eligible event
  • Had a theatrical release on at least five screens in a major territory
  • Been broadcast on a recognised television network
  • Made available through a major SVOD or AVOD provider

📝 Application Process

1. Prepare Documentation:
   • Include project treatment, scripts, visualisation materials, development plan, and evidence of rights or option acquisition.
2. Eligibility Verification:
   • Confirm Northern Territory residency and screen credit requirements.
3. Submit Application:
   • Through the Screen Territory application portal (specific submission portal and deadlines provided by Screen Territory).
4. Assessment:
   • Applications are evaluated on project potential, stage-appropriateness, applicant experience, feasibility, and value for money.

📅 Application Deadline

16 March, 2026

🌐 Application Portal

View details of Screen Territory Project Development Grants for Filmmakers and Writers.

Apply for Screen Territory Project Development Grants for Filmmakers and Writers.

• First-stage development: Up to $10,000
• Late-stage development: Up to $20,000
• Multiple grants per project: Total funding up to $30,000, unless exceptional circumstances are demonstrated