The Strategic Opportunities program supports a small number of initiatives that are aimed at providing skills development and training for the screen industry.

Initiatives should be responsive to industry needs, designed to assist in the growth of a sustainable, diverse and inclusive film, television and games sector. This is a big-picture funding program that supports initiatives that will offer immediate, medium, and long-term benefits to the industry.

The aims of the program are to: 

• increase capacity and support the development of crew and gamemakers to address skills shortages in the immediate, medium and long-term with initiatives that lead to employment outcomes;
• support initiatives that lead to the healthy infrastructure needed for the continued viability and sustainability of the screen sector;
• increase diversity, equity and inclusion in below-the-line crew or gamemaker roles.

Applications may be made for a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $150,000. Funding can only be used towards costs directly related to the provision of training and skills development activities. Funding can only be used for the training of Australian practitioners. An exception to the $150,000 funding limit for any one initiative may be considered under exceptional circumstances where the applicant can demonstrate significant benefits to the industry.

Applicants are required to speak with a member of the Industry Development team prior to applying.

Who is eligible to apply:

• Applicants must apply as an Australian company. Individuals are not eligible to apply. 
• Applications will not be accepted for initiatives that would ordinarily be eligible for other Screen Australia funding programs.
• All applicants and initiatives must also meet the eligibility criteria under Screen Australia’s Terms of Trade.
• Initiatives must provide genuine career advancement opportunities for below-the-line crew and gamemakers and/or genuinely increase diversity, equity and inclusion in below-the-line crew or gamemaker roles. 

• Email: industrydevelopment@screenaustralia.gov.au