Screen Aus reveals film funding reasons

By Brendan Swift

Screen Australia has revealed the reasons behind its recent feature film investment decisions in response to questions raised in Senate Estimate hearings.

The national government agency outlined the specific reasons behind its last 36 feature film investments (see table below), which were underpinned by criteria outlined in its production investment guidelines.

They include: the potential audience reach; the members of the creative team; the creative potential of the film; the commercial potential of the film; and the project's overall viability.

"The criteria are considered holistically by the committee but it should also be noted that the potential audience for the film informs almost all of the criteria," the agency said in response to a question on notice from Liberal Party Senator Simon Birmingham.

"The Production Investment Committee then refers suitable projects to the board for a decision. Other factors, including availability of funds and diversity of slate, contribute to Screen Australia’s funding decisions at any given time."

The Screen Australia board only began approving the issue of letters of interest for feature film investment (following recommendation from Screen Australia management) from March, when revised Production Investment Guidelines were issued. This was common practice at the former Film Finance Corporation under former chief executive Brian Rosen.

Screen Australia recently called on the government to raise its level of direct funding to bolster production of mid-range feature films, as well as documentaries.