International Delegations Global Producers Exchange Program

Purpose and Program Overview

The Global Producers Exchange is a collaborative initiative from Screen Australia and Australians in Film (AiF). The program’s intent is to equip Australia’s leading screen producers with the necessary skills and relationships. This aims to ensure success in the international market.

The program works to strengthen Australian intellectual property (IP) and promote culturally important stories. It positions projects for global co-development and investment opportunities.

A maximum of six production companies or producers will be selected to take part. Each receives a grant of $60,000 to participate in a bespoke virtual development lab. The total grant funding pool is not stated.

Key Grant Details

• Grant Amount: A flat grant amount of $60,000 is provided per successful applicant.
• Application Dates: Applications close on December 4, 2025. Note the conflicting date in the source material which stated October 31, 2024. The latest date is used.
• Eligible Entities: Individual producers or production companies who meet rigorous experience criteria.
• Co-contributions: No co-contribution is required; the grant funds participation and project development.
• Location Applicability: The program is national, targeting Australian citizens or incorporated companies. The development lab is virtual (online).

Priority Sectors

This program targets the screen industry, specifically high-calibre scripted content producers and production companies.

Priority will be given to applicants who:

• Have international co-production experience.
• Have executed long-form scripted series or features with reasonable budgets.
• Can demonstrate ability to leverage significant recent international success, acclaim, or audience awareness.
• Have upcoming slates with diverse arrays of Australian key creatives attached.

Screen Australia also prioritises authentic storytelling from and about under-represented groups.

Funding Scope

The grant provides a single amount of $60,000 per successful applicant.

• Minimum and Maximum Grant: A single grant amount of $60,000.
• Funding Categories: The grant covers:
  • Participation in the five-month virtual development lab, including mentorships, roundtables, and masterclasses ($8,500).
  • Work on refining creative concepts, creating suggested marketing materials, and developing strategies for pitching to international partners ($51,500).
• Eligible Duration: The program and funding cover a five-month period from March to July 2026. Note the conflicting date in the source material which stated March to July 2025.

Eligibility Criteria

Global Producers Exchange Program has a high entry threshold based on professional experience.

• Be individual producers or production companies.
• Individual applicants must be Australian citizens or residents.
• Applicant companies must be incorporated, operating, and centrally controlled in Australia.
• Meet Screen Australia’s Terms of Trade.
• Have credits demonstrating a strong track record as a lead producer on multiple completed long-form scripted episodic series or features. At least one recent work (last four years) must have achieved significant international exposure, audience success, or major festival selection/awards.
• Have a slate of at least three long-form scripted episodic series or features with global appeal and potential for US co-development.
• Projects must be uniquely and culturally identifiable as Australian stories.

Ineligible applicants include those with a parent company based in Los Angeles or those who have completed certain previous AIF/Screen Australia programs.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The grant supports activities related to international market preparation and project refinement.

Eligible expenses include:

• Active participation in the bespoke five-month virtual development lab.
• Individualised 1:1 mentorships with US-based screen decision makers.
• Working with attached key creatives to quickly refine and develop creative concepts and materials.
• Creating suggested marketing materials and pitching strategies (including travel costs).

Assessment Process

This is a highly competitive program. Assessment is conducted by Screen Australia, AiF staff, and industry specialists.

Funding decisions are based on equally weighted criteria:

• Proposal: Strength of the proposal, quality and diversity of the project slate, attached creative talent, and suitability of nominated lead projects for the lab.
• International Interest: The level of international traction achieved by the applicant’s past completed work.
• Experience: The applicant’s experience and knowledge relevant to succeeding in global markets.

Recent Program Updates

The program runs the Global Producers Exchange development lab from March to July 2026. A total of up to six production companies or producers will be selected for this current opportunity.

Application Tips

Ensure your back catalogue demonstrates significant international success, viewership, or major festival recognition. Select two to three lead projects for workshopping that clearly have global appeal and a unique Australian cultural identity. Be explicit about your specific business goals and knowledge gaps in your proposal. Show how the $60,000 will be used to quickly accelerate your slate’s market readiness after the lab.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting a grant specialist for a personalised eligibility assessment and expert assistance in preparing a strong, compliant and competitive application. Contact Pattens Group today, and we will connect you with Australia’s best grant specialist, boasting over 35 years of experience in the industry and a 100% success rate. For official guidelines, application details, templates, and further information, visit the official website of the grant program and other associated Australian government websites.