by FilmInk Staff
Screen NSW is accelerating the careers of new filmmakers with the return of the popular Short To Feature Fast Track Initiative.
Applications are now open for the program which supports emerging to mid-level NSW creatives with up to $75,000 in funding to produce a short film or proof of concept, as well as script development funds for a low-budget feature film. The funding will support teams in advancing their short film projects to the next stage, while also assisting to attract further financing for a low-budget feature film.
The program will pair the selected teams with an experienced Executive Producer to provide guidance across both production and development, while also expanding recipients’ professional networks in the screen industry.
The program identifies and nurtures fresh NSW voices and spotlights the next generation of filmmakers in the state, with up to three teams supported through the program in 2026.
Short To Feature Fast Track, which was first launched in 2023 and is now a notable Screen NSW program, has supported nine teams to date, many of whom have screened their projects around the world, and attracted further financing for their feature films. Supported projects have screened or been selected to screen at major international and Australian film festivals including Sundance Film Festival, SXSW Austin, Fantasia Film Festival, Palm Springs International ShortFest, Sydney Film Festival, Melbourne International Film Festival, SXSW Sydney and Revelation Perth International Film Festival. Experienced Executive Producers who have previously come on board for the program include Nick Batzias, Kristina Ceyton, Vincent Sheehan, Kath Shelper and Liz Watts.
Applications for Stage 1 will close on Monday 28 September.
For full guidelines and details on how to apply, please visit the Screen NSW website here.
Screen NSW Executive Director Kylie Munnich said: “With a proven track record of discovering and elevating NSW filmmakers, we continue to see the significant impact of the Short to Feature Fast Track initiative. The program has a history of supporting exciting, fresh and innovative projects which have gone on to reach both local and international audiences, as well as receive many notable accolades.
“Short films are an important pathway for the next generation of filmmakers to hone their craft and develop their network. This program provides vital funding for teams while they work to attract financing for their feature projects. This support ensures a continuing pipeline of exciting talent in NSW, and I am delighted to see Short To Feature Fast Track return for another year.”
Short to Feature Fast Track recipient Gemma Lee said: “The Short to Feature Fast Track gave us the confidence, mentorship and support to elevate our project Echoes in Time to the next stage of its development. The guidance of Executive Producer Kath Shelper, together with the workshop led by Brita McVeigh, was instrumental in refining both the narrative and our creative vision.
“Since completing the proof of concept, Echoes in Time screened in competition at the Fantasia International Film Festival, where we were also invited to participate in the Frontières Shorts to Features Lab. Together, these opportunities have given the feature project significant momentum as we move towards production.”
Image: Echoes in Time behind the scenes. Executive Producer Kath Shelper with Director Gemma Lee. Credit Olivia Katz
