VIC Regional Location Assistance Fund (RLAF)

Program Overview:

The Regional Location Assistance Fund (RLAF) supports Victorian, interstate, and international screen productions. It targets those who film in regional Victoria. The program aims to attract production activity to regional areas, increase employment opportunities for residents and businesses, and showcase regional Victorian locations to broader audiences. The RLAF supports Victoria’s screen industry growth and regional economic development. It promotes diverse filming locations and creates employment opportunities in regional communities.

Key Requirements:

• Minimum Regional Spend: Projects must allocate at least AU$100,000 to Qualifying Regional Victorian Expenditure.
• Filming Duration: Production must use regional Victorian locations for at least five days during principal photography.
• Accommodation: Most of the cast and crew must be accommodated near the regional filming location for a minimum of five nights.
• Project Types: Eligible projects include:

• • Fiction (feature films, telemovies, mini-series, pilots, or series).

• • Documentaries (feature films, television one-offs, or series).

• • Light entertainment series (including reality and lifestyle programs) that prominently feature regional Victorian culture, locations, or lifestyle, with the potential to boost the visitor economy.

• Market Interest: Projects must show genuine marketplace interest for commercial release or distribution.
• Budget Compliance: Budgets must meet at least the minimum Australian industry award rates for Victorian practitioners involved.

Eligible Expenditure:

Qualifying expenditure includes:

• Payments to regional Victorian residents or companies for goods and services.
• Salaries are prorated to the period of regional filming for regional residents.
• Fees for production and other services provided by regional Victorian companies.
• Per diems, accommodation, and living-away-from-home costs incurred by the production company.

RLAF grants must be incorporated into the project’s cash flow. They are typically paid at the final delivery stage.

Eligible Applicants:

• Production companies or studios engaged in eligible projects filming in regional Victoria.
• Regionally based production companies filming within regional Victoria may also qualify.
• Eligibility is assessed case-by-case.

Assessment Process:

Regional Location Assistance Fund (RLAF) is a competitive grant. A judging panel assesses applications. VicScreen must approve applications before funded activities start.

How can you get help with your application or assess your likelihood of success?

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist, such as Pattens Group. We offer initial assessments to review your business’s eligibility and evaluate how well your project aligns with the grant’s objectives. You can also visit relevant government websites for application templates and further guidance.