APPLY
Shark Island Foundation has three funding programs: DEVELOPMENT, PRODUCTION and OUTREACH.
Our focus in 2024 is to support films in development.
To be eligible to apply, films must first be approved by Documentary Australia.
Filmmakers can apply for a grant at any time. We are excited to see your projects!
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION
Make sure you have read and understood WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR; The FAQs and the SUBMISSION CHECKLIST.
Grants are available to filmmaking teams at any stage of development.
This includes development for:
- writing a treatment
- creating a concept or marketing reel to attract further funding
The filmmakers should already have access to key characters and be able to articulate the story and style, the strategy for funding and pathway to audience.
You do not have to provide a concept reel, but we encourage visual references and samples of previous work would be useful.
We will endeavour to assess your application within 4–8 weeks and will be in touch to let you know if you’ve been successful or not. We may require further information and will contact you if needed.
SUBMISSION CHECKLIST
Logline (50 words maximum)
1 paragraph (120 words maximum)
Project summary (500 word maximum)
Why do you want to tell this story; how will you tell it; what’s special about it; who are the main characters; how will you get it seen
Team (200 word maximum)
Describe your experience, expertise and passion. Who do you hope work with (director, producer, EP, DoP, Editor) and what will they bring to the project?
Financing
Budget breakdown of how the grant will be spent + other intended or confirmed sources of funding (template provided)
Footage
Link to visual references or examples of previous work (optional)
PRODUCTION APPLICATION
Make sure you have read and understood WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR; The FAQs and the SUBMISSION CHECKLIST.
The Production fund is for films at pre-production, production or post-production stage.
The key requirements:
- Footage to share (concept reel, character compile or rough cut)
- 1–2 page proposal.
- Other sources of funding or a strategy for attracting funding
- A clear idea of who the audience is, how to reach them and the broader impact the film may have
We will endeavour to assess your application within 4–8 weeks and will be in touch to let you know if you’ve been successful or not. We may require further information and will contact you if needed.
SUBMISSION CHECKLIST
Logline (50 words maximum)
1 paragraph (120 words maximum)
Written Proposal (500 words)
Team (500 word maximum)
Who are the key creative team (director, producer, EP, DoP, Editor). Describe the key team’s experience, expertise and passion. What will they bring to the project?
Funding, Audience & Release (500 words maximum)
Provide a summary of the financing strategy — how do you plan on funding the film? What funding is already in place? Who is your intended audience and how are you going to reach them? Where will it be seen and how will you execute a marketing and outreach strategy to find and engage the audience?
Project Stage and Timeline (up to 200 words). Explain the current status of the project. Outline the projected production timeline from the project’s current state to the anticipated completion date. Include anticipated production, post-production and release dates.
Financing
A–Z budget + Finance Plan (see Screen Australia toolbox)
Footage*
Concept, marketing or character reel (up to 10 minutes) or rough cut
*some footage is required to review a submission
OUTREACH APPLICATION
Make sure you have read and understood WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR; The FAQs and the SUBMISSION CHECKLIST.
This fund is for films at post-production stage. We are keen to offer these grants to films we have supported through a Production grant.
What we need to consider your application:
- a rough cut of your film
- A known pathway to audience (distributor, broadcaster, streaming platform, community engagement strategy)
- Partnerships in place
- A realistic and targeted outreach plan
The Foundation will also consider offering grants to a film’s key partner organisation if the film can be used to further their work.
We will endeavour to assess your application within 4–8 weeks and will be in touch to let you know if you’ve been successful or not. We may require further information and will contact you if needed.
SUBMISSION CHECKLIST
Logline (50 words maximum)
1 paragraph (120 words maximum)
A short summary of your film, stage of production and release strategy
Team (200 words)
Who are the key creatives and who will be driving the outreach work?
Project Summary (300 words)
Outreach (Optional 1 page)
We will read your Documentary Australia application to assess your impact and vision goals but you can include an update or additional information
Financing
Budget breakdown of how the grant will be spent + other intended or confirmed sources of funding (template provided)
Footage
Current cut (rough/fine/completed film)
Please note: we are a small team and are not able to take telephone enquiries about the grants. Unfortunately we cannot provide details about the status of applications or reasons for not being accepted. Please read the About section, including the FAQs in detail. For other enquires please email us.