Screen Australia has released draft guidelines for a suite of new interactive and multi-platform programmes. With A$20 million for games, Screen Australia will commit more than A$30 million over the next three years including approximately A$12 million to be delivered in the first year.

The agency’s support for interactive and multi-platform content now incorporates new Federal Government funding through the Australian Interactive Games Fund, as well as funding previously provided through Screen Australia’s former multi-platform programmes.

The agency will also distribute A$2–3 million of funding through Multi-platform Drama Production, supporting individual multi-platform drama projects including innovative broadcast and online projects. Targeted funds will also support multi-platform extensions for appropriate Screen Australia–funded film and television projects.

Up to A$2 million will also go towards Signature Documentary, expanded with an additional A$500,000 to incorporate interactive and multi-platform projects as well as distinctive linear projects. This supports bold documentary storytelling for online and mobile platforms as well as big-screen film festivals.

“Games are growing faster than any other entertainment sector and Australian developers have had extraordinary global cut through as demonstrated by the success of home-grown games such as Real Racing, Fruit Ninja and LA Noire,” said Screen Australia’s Chief Operating Officer, Fiona Cameron. “The pressure facing the industry is job migration and falling foreign investment. These programmes released in draft today go a long way towards realising a strong and sustainable Australian games development sector, to ensure we tap into the huge global appetite for interactive entertainment.”

Draft funding guidelines for the programmes have been developed following extensive industry consultations and will be open for comment until March 1. Screen Australia proposes to distribute funding in the first 12 months as follows:

• A$4–5 million through Games Production, supporting games developers to produce individual games

• A$2–3 million through Games Enterprise, supporting games development businesses to develop and enhance their sustainability, as well as fund ongoing development of their games projects

• A$2–3 million through Multi-platform Drama Production, supporting individual multi-platform drama projects including innovative broadcast and online projects; targeted funds will also support multi-platform extensions for appropriate Screen Australia–funded film and television projects

• Up to A$2 million through Signature Documentary, expanded with an additional A$500,000 to incorporate interactive and multi-platform projects as well as distinctive linear projects, supporting bold documentary storytelling for online and mobile platforms as well as big-screen film festivals

• approximately A$400,000 for sector development and special initiatives