Screen Australia Opens Up $30m for Interactive Programs

With $20 million for games, Screen Australia will commit more than $30 million over the next three years including approximately $12 million to be delivered in the first 12 months.

The agency’s support for interactive and multi-platform content now incorporates new Federal Government funding through the Australian Interactive Games Fund, as well as funding previously provided through Screen Australia’s former multi-platform programs.

“Games are growing faster than any other entertainment sector and Australian developers have had extraordinary global success as demonstrated by home-grown games such as Real Racing, Fruit Ninja and LA Noire,” said Screen Australia’s Chief Operating Officer, Fiona Cameron.

“The pressure facing the industry is job migration and falling foreign investment. These programs released in draft go a long way towards realising a strong and sustainable Australian games development sector, to ensure we tap into the huge global appetite for interactive entertainment,” Ms Cameron said.

Draft funding guidelines for the programs have been developed following a period of dedicated industry consultations and will be open for comment until Friday 1 March.

Screen Australia proposes to distribute funding in the first 12 months by delivering $4–5 million through Games Production, supporting games developers to produce individual games, and $2–3 million through Games Enterprise, supporting games development businesses to develop and enhance their sustainability, as well as fund ongoing development of their games projects.

Further funding of $2–3 million will be available through Multi-platform Drama Production, supporting individual multi-platform drama projects including innovative broadcast and online projects. Targeted funds will also support multi-platform extensions for appropriate Screen Australia–funded film and television projects. Up to $2 million through Signature Documentary will be expanded with an additional $500,000 to incorporate interactive and multi-platform projects as well as distinctive linear projects, supporting documentary storytelling for online and mobile platforms as well as big-screen film festivals.

Approximately $400,000 is allocated for sector development and special initiatives. Minister for the Arts Simon Crean said, “I’m delighted the industry consultation process has generated so many innovative ideas around the ways to foster interactive and multi-platform content. It will ensure the great local talent in the industry continues to have a competitive advantage.”

Ms Cameron  the programs are expected to encourage relationships across screen production sectors, acknowledging the similarities as well as the differences between games development and other screen production activity. To download the guidelines visit screenaustralia.gov.au/DraftGuidelines and to provide comments email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 1 March 2013.