by FilmInk Staff
The Mercury is proud to announce the launch of the Hamilton Health & Safety Fund, a new philanthropic initiative aimed at raising health and wellbeing standards across South Australian short film productions. This vital fund will offer financial support to local filmmakers, helping contribute to safer, more inclusive on-set environments.
The fund was conceived and championed by Bettina Hamilton of Black Cat White Rabbit Productions. Drawing on her extensive experience as a Producer and Line Producer, Bettina identified a critical need for improved resources for health and safety in short-form productions. Her proactive vision has brought this essential fund to life, with support from both Black Cat White Rabbit Productions, The Hanlon Larsen Screen Fellowship and opportunities for more private funding underway.
A total of $8,000 will be distributed annually for a committed three-year period beginning July 2025, with grants of up to $1,000 per project available exclusively to Mercury subscribers. Eligible expenses include but are not limited to Safety Supervisors, On-Set Nurses, PPE, First Aid Kits and Training, Intimacy Coordinators, and Access Coordinators. Bettina and The Mercury are actively seeking opportunities to help continue the running of the fund beyond this time.
On the creation of the fund, Bettina Hamilton shared her motivation and vision: “Short films often have very limited resources and are frequently made by cast and crew in the early stages of their careers. This can make it challenging for producers to fully understand and address the health and safety needs of their projects. The intention of the Hamilton Health & Safety Fund is to assist emerging filmmakers to fulfill these requirements by providing targeted funding specifically for this purpose—ultimately making short film production safer for everyone involved.”
Hamilton added: “It is my hope that this initiative will also lead to improved wellbeing outcomes for the South Australian film industry over time, with our up-and-coming filmmakers already thinking about and implementing better health and safety practices across all stages of production.”
On partnering on this initiative, Sarah Lancaster, General Manager of The Mercury said: “We are proud to support this important initiative and to manage the Hamilton Health & Safety Fund through The Mercury. Encouraging emerging filmmakers to prioritise health, wellbeing, and safety from the earliest stages of project development represents a significant step forward in skills development across the sector. Providing targeted funding for on-set safety activities will not only improve conditions during production but also strengthen career-readiness. We’re equally excited to expand the benefits of The Mercury’s subscription model, delivering even greater value to our members through access to these new opportunities.”
The Hamilton Health & Safety Fund is a rolling fund and Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open.
Guidelines and EOI forms are now available on The Mercury website: HERE
Applications for the Quicksilver Production Fund supported by the South Australian Film Corporation will open shortly.
ABOUT THE MERCURY
The Mercury has a legacy spanning 50 years as a member-based centre for screen culture in the heart of Adelaide’s West End. Proudly South Australian, The Mercury is a not-for-profit organisation that operates the independent Mercury Cinema and, utilising funding from the South Australian Film Corporation, provides pathways for emerging filmmakers starting their professional screen industry career.
The Mercury’s subscription model at $25/month or $300/year offers unlimited screenings to Silverscreen and Cinematheque programs, free entry to the Script Club, Launch Lab, all industry programs, complimentary use of all production facilities and equipment, one-on-one script consultations, industry mentoring, ability to apply to the Quicksilver Production Fund and a discounted South Australian Screen Award submission fee.
With alumni including Emmy award winners, Oscar nominees, a Cannes Special Jury Prize winner and the Best Director winner at Sundance Film Festival, our passion for quality is undeniable.
The Mercury also boasts two cinemas – a 186 seat Mercury cinema, and the 36 seat Iris – both of which offer a comprehensive film program of contemporary, classic and cult favourites films.
Centrally located, The Mercury neighbours the Jam Factory, Nexus Arts, The Lion Arts Factory, ILA, UniSA West Campus, TAFE SA, AC Arts & the Flinders University Festival Plaza.
