AFC Launches New Film Producer Support Program

The Australian Film Commission today announced the launch of a new support program for producers and production companies - the Screen Business Venture Program. David Noakes has been appointed to the newly created position of Business Innovation Manager in the AFC’s Film Development Division to manage the program.

The Screen Business Venture Program builds on the work of the AFC’s General Development Investment (GDI) program, which has provided targeted support for Australian producers and production companies since 2000.

The new program comprises two funding strands.

The Business Support Strand offers successful applicants up to $70,000 to consolidate their business, maintain or increase their current level of production activities and/or grow their business through an increased slate or additional enterprises. Forty per cent will be provided in the form of a recoupable interest-free loan, with regular repayments over a number of years. The remaining 60 per cent will be provided as a grant.

The Business Growth Strand will provide up to $180,000 to experienced producers who have identified quantifiable commercial opportunities to significantly grow their business. It is aimed at producers seeking to develop and expand their company in terms of turnover, range and number of projects and the range of business activities undertaken. Fifty per cent will be provided in the form of a recoupable interest-free loan, with regular repayments over a number of years. The remaining 50 per cent will be provided as a grant.

The AFC’s Acting Director of Film Development, Lori Flekser, said the aim of the program was to encourage and support the development of a creative, innovative and commercially sustainable screen production industry.

“The AFC believes this program will meet the challenge of assisting producers to focus on longer-term business planning and facilitate ongoing growth and expansion,” she said. “We’re particularly excited to offer part of the funding in the form of a grant that could facilitate the continued operation and growth strategies of entrepreneurial business entities.”

As Business Innovation Manager, David Noakes will provide information and templates to applicants, convene a panel of appropriate business and industry experts to assess applications, and work closely with funded practitioners to assist them in achieving their goals. He will also work with existing GDI recipients to meet their GDI repayment obligations (applications for the Interim GDI program are no longer being accepted).

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