Development on Demand Program (VicScreen)

Purpose and Program Overview

The Development on Demand Program by VicScreen supports writers and producers. It helps them develop narrative fiction or documentary projects. This includes virtual reality (VR). Projects can be for any release platform. This includes cinema, television, and online. The program aims to foster strong, vivid, and distinct storytelling projects. These projects must show clear development goals and cultural value. The program helps participants advance their projects. This allows them attract investment and production opportunities.

The program offers funding up to $50,000. It plays a vital role in Victoria’s broader screen industry strategy. It nurtures Victorian screen talent and content. It supports diversity and inclusion. It strengthens market readiness. The program provides vital development support. This enables content creators to refine their projects. This helps them achieve a competitive position in national and international markets.

By helping with the development of original, high-quality screen projects, the program contributes to the growth of Victoria. It also contributes to its global reputation as a creative hub for screen arts and innovative media production.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: Up to $50,000 per project. This amount varies depending on the project type and level of market interest. For instance, a fiction feature with market co-finance can get up to $50,000, while a documentary web series can get up to $20,000.
• Application open: Ongoing intake. The 2025–26 funding round opened on 1 July 2025.
• Application close: Applications for fiction projects close on 22 June 2026 at 5 PM AEST. Applications for documentary projects close on 30 June 2026 at 5 PM AEST.
• Eligible entities: Victorian-based screenwriters, producers, and production companies. This includes individuals who are Australian citizens or residents.
• Co-contributions: VicScreen’s contribution is up to 75% of the total budget for a development stage. The applicant must contribute the remaining amount. This can be cash or in-kind support.
• Location/state/territory applicability: Victoria only. At least one key creative (producer or writer) must be Victorian. For non-Victorian producer applicants, they must engage a Victorian writer. The project must also be substantially shot and/or completed in Victoria.

Priority Sectors

The Development on Demand Program is open to screen projects across the narrative fiction and documentary sectors. This includes emerging formats like VR. Priority is given to projects that:

• Have a strong Victorian-based creative team.
• Show cultural significance and Australian storytelling relevance.
• Advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in project content and creative leadership.
• Have a clear and compelling development plan.
• Demonstrate a clear pathway to market.

Funding Scope

• Funding range: Up to $50,000 per project.
• Eligible project types: Narrative fiction series, features, documentaries, and VR projects.
• Eligible expenses: Support for development phases like scriptwriting, story development, research, concept art, and pitching documents. Specific funding caps apply to individual expenses. For example, a writer’s fee for a script draft can be up to $25,000. Legal fees can be up to $2,000.
• Project timeline: Projects must be completed within typical development timelines. This is generally up to 12 months.

Grant Amount in Total

The total program funding pool is managed annually by VicScreen. The exact overall budget is not publicly specified. However, the Victorian Government committed $552 million over five years for creative industries, including the screen industry, in its 2025-26 State Budget.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants can be a company or an individual.
• For a company: Must be an Australian company. It must be registered and operating in Victoria for at least six months before applying.
• For an individual: Must be an Australian citizen or a resident who has lived in Australia for at least six months.
• At least one key creative (producer or writer) must be Victorian.
• Applicants should have a proven creative track record.
• Project proposals must show clear development milestones.
• Applicants must be registered for GST and hold an Australian Business Number (ABN).
• Applicants must comply with VicScreen’s diversity and inclusion policies. This is especially true for projects with First Peoples content. These projects require a letter of support from relevant communities.
• Projects cannot have declined funding three times. A project that was declined twice must have been significantly reworked before resubmission.
• The project must not be a broadcaster or online content provider.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

Funding supports direct development costs.

• Scriptwriting and story development phases.
• Research and concept development.
• Creation of pitching materials like series bibles, teasers, and concept art.
• Market development activities.
• Consultants and mentoring fees.
• Legal and IP protection fees.
• Accounting support.
• A range of other development-related costs.

Assessment Process

This is a competitive, merit-based assessment. It is conducted by VicScreen’s Development Assessment Panel.

Evaluation criteria include:

• Strength, distinctiveness, and cultural value: The quality of the story.
• Quality and feasibility: The development plan.
• Clear pathways to market and audience: The project’s market potential.
• Contributions to diversity and inclusion: The creative team and content.
• Overall value for money and capacity to deliver: The budget and timeline.

Recent Updates of Development on Demand Program

The 2025–26 funding round opened with applications accepted until June 2026. Enhanced guidance on diversity and First Peoples content inclusion has been provided. The program continues to align with Victoria’s Screen Industry Strategy 2021–2025 and Creative State 2025 objectives. It maintains flexibility for VR and emerging screen formats.

Application Tips

• Review VicScreen’s Terms of Trade and Guidelines carefully before applying.
• Prepare a complete application. Include detailed budgets, timelines, and creative plans.
• Demonstrate meaningful diversity and inclusion. Show this in both the creative team and the content.
• Ensure you have articulated development goals. You also need an audience strategy.
• Contact VicScreen or grant specialists early. This helps to address questions and refine submissions.
• Submit applications well before the deadline. This allows for feedback and improvements.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group. They can help with eligibility checks and application development. Visit the VicScreen website for detailed program information and application resources.