Internships assist practitioners whose careers would benefit from an attachment to a person, production or organisation. This program is designed to assist the career development of talented filmmakers who have already showcased their skills in previous work. It is not an entry-level scheme.

Funding is for

An internship may take many forms and involve features, documentaries, animation, interactive digital media, TV drama or comedy series. For example:

• a director might attach themselves to a more experienced director on a production
• a producer might spend time in a TV production house to observe the script development and creative management process, or they may wish to work with a more senior producer developing a financing plan for a project of their own
• an animation filmmaker may wish to enhance specific technical or creative skills
  
• a filmmaker may want to hire a more experienced producer or director as a consultant on their own funded production.

Eligibility

The general Indigenous Department eligibility criteria apply to all Internship applications. Additionally:

• Only individuals may apply.
• The program is for producers, directors, script editors, animation filmmakers and interactive digital media producers who have at least one significant produced and released credit.
• Credits should be in the same field in which the applicant is seeking an internship (eg an applicant seeking an attachment with a director should have directorial credits).

Funding recipients must deliver

A report after completing the internship, including an update on any career developments which have arisen as a result of the internship/fellowship.
A statement of expenditure. Internship reports may be published, with the permission of the intern, in part or in full on the Screen Australia website.

Assessment criteria

When assessing applications for Internships, Screen Australia uses the following criteria:

• The potential of the applicant as evidenced by previous work.
• The quality of the mentor or mentor organisation and the level of access the applicant will have to them.
• The quality of the proposed program the applicant and mentor have negotiated.
• The strategic benefit of the program to the applicant at this stage of their career.

Assessment process

Applications will be assessed by a combination of Screen Australia executives and industry specialists/peers as required. Screen Australia will advise applicants of the success or otherwise of their application, providing a written statement of reasons on request.

Application materials

Applications must be made on the relevant Screen Australia application form, and include all supporting material listed on that form.

Recoupment

Note that Screen Australia funding of $200,000 or under will be provided as a grant, rather than recoupable investment, the Indigenous Programs overview for more details.