by FIlmInk Staff
Creative Plus Business Celebrates Conclusion of Inaugural Social Enterprise for Screen Program, Launching 12 New Social Enterprises in the Australian Screen and Games Industry
Creative Plus Business has proudly announced the successful conclusion of the Social Enterprise for Screen (SEFS) program, a national masterclass and business development program designed to empower screen entrepreneurs from under-represented sectors of the industry.
The rigorous thirteen-week online program, which ran from May to August 2025, equipped participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to build sustainable production enterprises utilising the social enterprise model to drive positive social and cultural change.
The SEFS pilot, supported by the 2025 Screenrights Cultural Fund, has proven highly effective in fostering entrepreneurial growth within the sector. Out of 50+ businesses that applied, 18 screen businesses, representing 22 participants, were selected for the pilot. Of these, 12 new screen social enterprises have been established with some, including Chrysaor Studios and Generate Crew on the Gold Coast, and Made in the West Creative in Penrith, opening their doors to clients and projects immediately.
The response from the cohort was overwhelmingly positive, with 100% of participants providing positive feedback. Furthermore, 100% of participants reported that the SEFS program increased their capabilities to build a sustainable screen organisation that could contribute to positive change, and 100% felt their competence improved in understanding the social enterprise model and landscape.
SEFS was designed to have a strong focus on increasing diversity in screen industry leadership, successfully recruiting participants from key under-represented groups. The final cohort was wonderfully diverse, with 55% identifying as female and/or gender-fluid; 55% of participants came from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) background; and 45% were People of Colour. The program also included 15% First Nations Filmmakers, 35% who identified as LGBTQIA+, and 35% living with disability and/or neurodiversity. Additionally, 25% of the SEFS Participants were based in regional or remote Australia.
New enterprises established through the program span traditional filmmaking, digital games, interactive media, and industry infrastructure, demonstrating the broad application of the social enterprise model. These include an organisation dedicated to young filmmakers (Clarice Would Like a Word), a Brisbane-based LatinX screen production company (VER MAS Media), and a game development studio (Liquid Heart Game Studio).
A standout success story is Chrysaor Studios, founded by Christopher Amos. Chrysaor Studios is highlighted as Australia’s first social enterprise film studio on the Gold Coast, boasting state-of-the-art virtual production facilities supported by Screen Queensland. Chris received social enterprise certification during the program.
Reflecting on the impact of the program and the confidence gained, Christopher Amos, Founder & Executive Director of Chrysaor Studios, said: “Having the Certified badge has given me extra confidence to be bold, brave, and put Chrysaor Studios out there. The last three months have been incredible, with YOU as Creative Plus Business guiding me from business planning to execution. You are a true inspiration, and I am fully committed to the social enterprise model for screen businesses. Bravo for being such a champion.”
Lead Designer of the program, and Creative Plus Business Doyenne Monica Davidson, says “As the founder of a social enterprise, I know how impactful this model could be for the creative industries. The funding provided by the Screenrights Cultural Fund for this program proved that theory completely! We hope that this first iteration of Social Enterprise for Screen is a pilot for similar programs that could amplify and support diverse voices from across the screen sector in future”.
The overwhelming success of the SEFS program has shown a clear and growing need for new and innovative approaches within the screen sector. Creative Plus Business envisions repeating the program to support other identified target groups invested in representing screen professionals that are experiencing significant disadvantage. These potential future collaborations could ensure that the benefits of the social enterprise business model reach those who need it most to establish resilient, sustainable screen ventures.
