Apply for Dynamic Television Scripted Initiative (Australia)

Dynamic Television are excited to work with collaborative and experienced producers to develop serialised or procedural drama series. Dynamic Television look for high concept or unique ideas with memorable, iconic characters and strong story engines. They also like to develop from well- known IP to help engage a global audience. But what they like to develop more than anything, are stories that make you feel.

Dynamic Television are a production, financing and distribution company with a global strategy to bring premium television programming to worldwide audiences. Their most recent Australian title was Savage River.

Gender equity, diversity and inclusivity are priorities for Screen Australia. They therefore expect that the diversity of the story world and characters are reflected in the creative team and IP of the project and/or that integrated and meaningful collaboration occurs from early stages of development.

Funding Information

• Up to one project may be selected from each of the four rounds. Applicants can apply with a total development budget of up to $100,000 (to which Screen Australia will contribute 50% and Dynamic Television the remaining 50%). Dynamic Television will have first look to attach as international distributor, under terms to be negotiated.
• Funding is for development costs. The development budget can include late-stage funding such as funding for writers’ rooms, further drafts and script/scene breakdowns.
• Screen Australia will only fund Australian creatives and Australian costs of the development budget.
• Dynamic will work closely with the successful applicants, providing feedback on materials to ensure the projects are ready for the international market.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applications for this initiative are open to anyone who:
  • Is an Australian production company (Pty Ltd) – no sole trader ABNs.
  • Has a one-hour per episode television drama project, that has a series outline (5-10 pages, including: pilot episode outline, series overview and brief character descriptions).
  • If the application is based on an underlying work an appropriate option and purchase agreement will be required. Shopping Agreements will not be accepted.
  • Unencumbered should be taken to mean the applicant maintains full creative and financial control of their project, and hold the rights to the project via evidenced Chain of Title. No rights can have been assigned, no future development agreements, or production or broadcast agreements, can have been entered into. The project may have received previous development investment but the applicant must continue to hold all the rights as at the time of application to the Dynamic Television Scripted Initiative.
  • Has a producer attached that has at least one produced TV credit. Writer/s do not need to have credit/s.
  • Crime, suspense, thriller, family, dramedies, and romance genres are all welcomed.
  • Please note that each production company can only apply with one project per round.
  • It is Screen Australia’s expectation that applications for direct funding will demonstrate that the project is written and will be directed by Australian citizens or permanent residents.

Application Requirements 

• Applications are now open and can be made through Screen Australia’s application portal   with the following materials:
  • CVs for all creatives attached.
  • Series outline including: series overview and brief character descriptions (5-10 pages).
  • Pilot episode outline; full outline of the pilot episode (2-3 pages).
  • A development plan (2 pages maximum).
  • A creative vision statement (2 pages).
  • A ‘Market Feedback’ statement outlining any market partners the project has been pitched to, with responses noted.
  • An itemised development budget with a total of no more than $100,000 for the current stage of development.
  • Note: Funding can only be provided towards future costs, not costs already incurred.You can apply for development costs under $100,000 if the full amount offered is not required. Screen Australia and Dynamic TV reserve the right to approve a lesser amount for the successful application at their discretion.

For more information, visit Screen Australia.