Advanced Development Fund

About
Projects applying to the ADF may receive a maximum of $70,000 (including any funds already received via historic WDL, SDF, EDF or devolved development funds). You must have a director attached to your project to apply to the ADF. The identification of audience, packaging and the potential for marketing the film to that audience are particularly important at this stage.
 
Assessment
Producers are expected to apply to the ADF with projects that are tracking towards production and therefore, in addition to the Key Values outlined above, we also expect the following:

·         A strong script with theatrical potential

·         Clarity about the intended audience for the film, both domestically and internationally

·         Clarity about the genre

·         A budget relative to the likely audience for the film. We encourage you to discuss your project with a sales agent and/or
       distributor prior to making the application.

·         Compelling notes from the writer outlining their evaluation of the current draft, intentions for the next draft and strategy for
       achieving those intentions

·         A strongly articulated director’s vision for the final film

·         Proposed financing strategy

·         A preliminary production budget top-sheet and/or production budget

·         Proposed marketing and distribution strategy

·         Proposed casting and attachment of key creatives.

 
Application requirements
Applications should be made using the Advanced Development Fund Coversheet (see below) and include all relevant supporting material listed in the checklist on that form. Producers should discuss their application with the Development Team prior to lodging to get guidance on what materials are required. 
How we decide                                                       
Decisions are made collectively by consensus. Meetings to consider ADF applications are chaired by the CEO, or in their absence, the Deputy CEO or Head of Sales and Marketing. 

ADF applications are also assessed externally by two industry professionals who attend the meeting along with the Head of Sales and Marketing and the Development Executives.

 
Application deadlines
Applications may be submitted at any time and will typically be considered within 4-6 weeks.