WA Screenwest On Demand Fund

Purpose and Program Overview

The Screenwest On Demand Fund is a Western Australian Government grant program that provides production finance for online series and one-off XR (extended reality) projects made in Western Australia. Administered by Screenwest, the fund’s core objective is to develop local screen talent and promote innovation within the state’s screen industry.

The fund operates within Screenwest’s broader Production Funding suite for the 2026–27 period and forms part of the organisation’s strategy to strengthen Western Australia’s creative economy. Screenwest particularly encourages applications from First Nations creatives and people from historically under-represented groups, reflecting its wider commitment to diversity across the screen sector.

Rather than an entitlement scheme, the On Demand Fund is competitive: eligible applications are assessed against defined criteria, and funding is not guaranteed even where an applicant meets all base eligibility requirements.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: Up to 50% of the total production budget, capped at $100,000 per project
• Applications close: Monday, 24 August 2026, 5:00pm AWST
• Eligible applicants: Western Australian resident producers or Western Australian resident companies
• Co-contribution required: Yes — matched funding is required, as the grant covers a maximum of 50% of the total production budget
• Location applicability: Western Australia; projects must be produced in WA with WA-based key creative involvement

Priority Sectors

The guidelines do not designate specific priority sectors beyond the fund’s core focus. The fund is open to online series and one-off XR projects intended for public access on screen-based devices, within the broader Western Australian screen production sector. Screenwest additionally encourages applications that support First Nations Australian storytelling and content from historically under-represented groups.

Funding Scope

• Maximum funding per project: $100,000
• Funding rate: Up to 50% of the total production budget
• Funding category: Single stream — On Demand Fund (no sub-streams such as feasibility or capital works)
• Eligible project types: Online series or one-off XR projects for screen-based public access
• Assessment and contracting timeline: Applicants are notified of outcomes within 6–8 weeks of the closing date; the contracting process for successful applicants can take a further 4–6 weeks

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicant must be a Western Australian Resident Producer or Western Australian Resident Company, as defined in the Screenwest Terms of Trade
• Applicant must meet the general eligibility requirements set out in the Screenwest Terms of Trade
• At least one member of the key creative team must have experience producing online or digital content
• The project must be an online series or one-off XR project intended for public access on a screen-based device
• The project must have a current letter of intent or deal memo from a bona fide distributor, exhibitor, or major online/digital content provider, supported by a strong distribution strategy
• At least 75% of the total project budget must be spent as Qualifying Western Australian Expenditure (QWAE)
• The project must have a resident Western Australian key creative team, as defined in the Terms of Trade
• Applications that fall outside standard criteria may still be considered in exceptional circumstances, where the applicant can demonstrate strong alignment with Screenwest’s strategic plan

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Production costs associated with online series or one-off XR projects
• Costs classified as Qualifying Western Australian Expenditure (QWAE), which must account for at least 75% of the total project budget
• Engagement of a Western Australian resident key creative team
• Activities directly supporting the delivery and distribution of the funded project, in line with the distribution strategy submitted with the application

Assessment Process

The On Demand Fund is competitive. Eligible applications are reviewed by a panel comprising Screenwest management and industry representatives against the following criteria:

• Team: Track record of the applicant and key creatives, and the demonstrated talent development opportunity
• Benefits to WA: Cultural, creative, and innovative benefits delivered to Western Australia’s screen sector
• Commercial: Strength of the project’s market attachments
• Quality and feasibility: Strength of the script, creative statements, and production methodology, including the appropriateness of the finance plan
• Strategic alignment: How the project aligns with Screenwest’s strategic initiatives
• Diversity: How the project supports diverse representation, including the overall diversity of projects funded by Screenwest

Funding recommendations over $50,000 require additional approval from the Screenwest Board before being finalised.

Recent Program Updates

The current guidelines were published in March 2026 and apply under the Screenwest Terms of Trade effective from 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2026. The On Demand Fund is one of several active production funding streams currently open or recently opened through Screenwest, alongside the Footloose Production Fund, Scripted Production Fund, and Matched Scripted TV Production Fund.

Application Tips

• Confirm eligibility against all applicant, company, and project criteria before starting an application
• Prepare a current letter of intent or deal memo from a distributor, exhibitor, or online/digital content provider, along with a clear distribution strategy
• Budget carefully to ensure at least 75% of total project spend qualifies as Qualifying Western Australian Expenditure (QWAE)
• Review the Screenwest Terms of Trade and On Demand Fund Guidelines in full before submitting
• Align the project narrative with Screenwest’s strategic plan, particularly around talent development, innovation, and diversity
• Submit all required documentation through the Screenwest SmartyGrants portal ahead of the closing deadline
• Allow time in the production schedule for the 6–8 week assessment period and the 4–6 week contracting process if successful

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting a grant specialist like Pattens Group for a personalised eligibility assessment and expert assistance in preparing a strong, compliant, and competitive application. Contact us today and get connected 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 Screenwest On Demand Fund and other associated Australian government websites.