PROGRAM GUIDELINES:
DISTRIBUTION SUPPORT
THIS VERSION ISSUED 1 JULY 2015
P&A PLUS
Flexible marketplace support
This program is designed to enhance the distribution and marketing of quality
Australian films across traditional and alternative release platforms.
Funding can be sought to support the traditional theatrical ANZ release of
completed feature films that have an established local distributor attached, or for
alternative release campaigns in certain circumstances (see box on the next
page).
Funding for traditional release is provided for activities commonly understood to
come under the banner of ‘P&A expenditure’. The funding should not replace a
distributor’s pre-existing P&A commitment, but rather add value to the confirmed
investment already in place.
Nor does this fund replace the items in the Dedicated Marketing Budget of
Screen Australia–financed productions, but should enhance the marketing,
promotion and advertising of individual projects to increase audience potential
and revenue.
The program operates as a commercial loan fund. Applications will be judged
with regard to the revenue estimates provided, and applicants will need to
demonstrate how Screen Australia funding will increase audience reach.
Support for alternative release
Screen Australia will pilot alternative release strategies where appropriate films
may be identified for experimental cinema and digital release.
From time to time, applications will be considered from quality feature-length
projects exploring alternative methods of distribution, especially where there is
potential to advance industry knowledge and expertise.
Support may be considered if the project has a clearly defined audience, and the
applicant can demonstrate that they have both an achievable marketing plan and
the capacity to deliver it.
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Innovative marketing initiatives
Additionally, from time to time, there will be feature projects with innovative
marketing opportunities that extend the release campaign in a compelling way.
The teams involved with these projects will be actively encouraged to explore the
potential of their projects and, at Screen Australia’s discretion, may be offered
additional funding to support such initiatives.
Funding provided for alternative release and innovative marketing initiatives will
generally be provided as a grant; however, other funding arrangements may be
negotiated on a case-by-case basis. Potential applicants must discuss their
project with the Distribution Manager before applying, and applications can only
be made by invitation.
Who can apply?
Funding through this program is not limited to projects produced with Screen
Australia production investment.
An application must first meet the following eligibility criteria in order to be
assessed for funding:
•
The applicant must meet the general eligibility criteria for Screen Australia
funding in the Terms of Trade
•
The project must be a feature-length Australian film
•
The application must have the endorsement and involvement of the producer
•
The application must demonstrate proven expertise and/or experience
relevant to the distribution of feature films
•
Screen Australia will not provide funds retrospectively.
The following specific eligibility requirements also apply to applications for
traditional P&A support (we may make exceptions to these at our discretion):
•
the applications must be made by the distributor of the film, who must be a
recognised distributor
•
the distributor must have a contractual commitment to the film, and must have
already committed, or be planning to commit, a significant P&A investment in
the film appropriate to the type of film and its perceived market potential.
What funding is available?
Screen Australia funds are limited and approval of an application is not
automatic. Demand regularly outweighs available funds.
The amount provided will be determined with regard to estimated gross receipts,
the proposed use of the funds and the strategy for the entire release.
Applicants are advised to contact Screen Australia staff to discuss their proposal
before they submit their application.
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What is the application timing & process?
Applications may be made at any time, at least 12 weeks prior to the proposed
release date. Exceptions to this may be made at our discretion.
Application forms, including details of supporting materials required, can be
found on the website.
Applications will be acknowledged within one week of receipt.
The turnaround for decisions will be in accordance with the nature of the
application and the timeframe of the release. They may take three or more weeks
from the date of receipt of the application.
What is the assessment process?
Complete and eligible applications will be reviewed by Screen Australia
executives and/or external industry specialists as required.
Screen Australia will advise applicants in writing of the success or otherwise of
their application. Where an application is declined, the applicant will be advised
of the reason.
Assessment criteria
Each eligible application will be assessed on its own merits, taking the following
into account:
•
The quality and viability of the full release plan, marketing strategy and
detailed release budget.
•
The realistic expectations of audience reach and the revenue estimates.
•
The use of Screen Australia funds, including, as relevant
- the necessity for the proposed activities and materials, over and above the
requirements of the Dedicated Marketing Budget (in the case of Screen
Australia–financed projects)
- the potential for enhancing exploitation of ancillary and other opportunities
aside from theatrical.
- the potential benefits for the wider industry.
•
The level of the distributor’s investment, as an indication of their belief in and
commitment to the film. This will be determined based on our assessment of
the film and knowledge of the market. Note that, where the applicant already
has a minimum P&A commitment, Screen Australia will not subsidise their
operations by providing funding to allow them to meet this commitment.
Terms of funding
Support for traditional release is generally a loan provided from a revolving fund
on terms negotiated by Screen Australia with the applicant on a case-by-case
basis.
In general Screen Australia expects recoupment to be crossed against all rights
and to be on reasonable commercial terms.
For alternative release and special marketing initiatives, terms of funding will be
negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
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If not already required as part of an agreement for Screen Australia production
support, all funding recipients must deliver:
•
a mint-condition copy of the highest gauge created, to the National Film and
Sound Archive.
In addition, recipients of funding to support alternative release must deliver
•
a written case study six months following the release of the project, and
aspects of these case studies may be published on the Screen Australia
website.
DEDICATED MARKETING BUDGET (DMB): A fundamental component of
Screen Australia’s integrated approach and emphasis on the importance of
marketing is the Dedicated Marketing Budget (aka ‘Quarantined’ Marketing
Budget or QMB), which applies to projects with Screen Australia production
investment.
Screen Australia–funded feature projects are required to include the cost of
specific marketing and promotional materials in their production budgets. Funds
for these items are part of Screen Australia’s investment in the project. These
funds are ‘quarantined’ and cannot be used to fund other production or post-
production activities.
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Update log
1 July 2015
•
Overview: Clarification that the program ‘operates as a commercial loan
fund’.
•
‘Support for alternative releases’ box updated and ‘Innovative marketing
initiatives’ box added.
•
Terms of funding: Clarification that ‘For alternative release and special
marketing initiatives, terms of funding will be negotiated on a case-by-case
basis.’
22 September 2014
•
Clarification of support for alternative release, including
- additional eligibility criteria,
- amendments to assessment criteria
•
Clarification of terms of funding for alternative release, including provision of
support as a grant up to and including $50,000, and requirement to deliver
case study
•
Removal of requirement to deliver three copies of DVD release
•
Amendment of assessment process to clarify use of Screen Australia staff
and industry specialists.
8 April 2014
•
‘P&A Loans’ renamed ‘P&A Plus’;
•
paragraph added referring to support for projects exploring alternative
distribution pathways.
•
Innovative Distribution program archived.
20 August 2013
•
Amendments to scope, eligibility criteria and assessment criteria
1 August 2013
•
‘Theatrical P&A’ renamed ‘P&A Loans’
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Document Outline - PROGRAM GUIDELINES: DISTRIBUTION SUPPORT
- P&A PLUS Flexible marketplace support
- Support for alternative release
- Innovative marketing initiatives
- Who can apply?
- What funding is available?
- What is the application timing & process?
- What is the assessment process?
- Assessment criteria
- Terms of funding
- Update log
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