ABC and SAFC launch First Look grant program – The ABC and the South Australian Film Corporation have launched the ABC First Look – Early Development Grant for South Australian screen creatives.
The new program will help writers, directors and producers develop original screen projects for the ABC. It is aimed at early ideas that need funding, creative support and a clearer path to market.
It also gives ABC commissioners an earlier look at local ideas from South Australia. For the SAFC, the grant builds on a partnership that has already helped bring more South Australian stories to ABC audiences.
How the grant works
The grant sits under the existing ABC SAFC Content Pipeline Fund.
Applicants can seek up to $50,000 for scripted projects, including children’s content. They can seek up to $25,000 for unscripted projects.
The final amount will depend on the scope of the work and the planned production.
Eligible projects include documentary, drama, children’s, factual, comedy and children’s animation projects.
Successful applicants will receive funding and direct feedback from ABC commissioners. As a result, teams can sharpen their ideas before they move further through development.
What ABC and SAFC want
The program is looking for a clear creative voice and a strong central idea. It is also looking for projects with audience appeal and a strong grasp of genre.
Applications will be judged on their South Australian impact. They will also be judged on how well they match ABC commissioning needs and on the experience and diversity of the creative team.
To be eligible, applicants must live in South Australia. They must also be credited producers.
Each project must have a South Australian writer and/or director attached. Applicants must also hold or control the rights to the project.
Projects must be planned for production and post-production in South Australia.
Development support
Development money can be used in several ways. This includes writers’ rooms, script work, research, story development, producer and writer fees, script editing, legal costs and factual production materials.
ABC Director Screen Jennifer Collins said the grant gives South Australian creatives a chance to develop original ideas and connect with ABC commissioners early in the process.
Collins said the ABC’s partnership with the SAFC helps build pathways to future ABC commissioning opportunities.
SAFC Acting CEO Leanne Saunders said the ABC SAFC Content Pipeline Fund has already supported South Australian stories, including Treasure & Dirt, Top End Bub and the upcoming third season of Austin.
Saunders said the new grant would create more chances for local writers, directors and producers to develop ambitious projects for ABC audiences.
Key dates
Stage One applications open on Monday 14 September 2026. They close on Monday 5 October 2026.
Successful Stage One applicants will be invited to move to Stage Two from Monday 12 October 2026. Final funding decisions are expected in December 2026.
An online information session will also be held on 14 September 2026.
ABC Head of Scripted Rachel Okine, ABC Head of Children and Family Melinda Wearne, and ABC Head of Documentary & Specialist Susie Jones will discuss the application process and ABC commissioning priorities.
Further information is available through the SAFC funding programs page.
Source: ABC
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