A4.1 Producer Enterprise Packages (PEP2)

Please Note: Due to Technical Difficulties, Online applications for this scheme are currently unavailable. Applicants are asked to submit a traditional application form until the issue is resolved. Applicants are still required to submit a pro-forma business plan with their application (see: 'How to Apply' below ).

Purpose:

The purpose of PEP2 is to improve the long-term economic sustainability of Western Australia-based production companies by providing flexible support packages that can be applied to any aspect of a production business consistent with the aim of improving company performance and stability.

PEP2s will be awarded in two categories.

Category 1:

Awards made in this category will recognize those recently completed Western Australian productions that have represented the greatest economic value to the State.

Category 2:

Awards made in this category will recognize the sustained commitment of local producers to the industry in Western Australia as evidenced by track record, current business plans and project development slates.

Available Funding:

Total notional annual allocation for 2007/2008: $350,000. This allocation will be available for one round during the current financial year. Up to $50,000 is available per applicant, consisting of:

Category 1:

Up to $25,000 based on production expenditure on Western Australian elements in the previous financial year (i.e. 2006/2007). Claims may be subject to audit.

Category 2:

Up to $25,000 based on assessment An applicant may receive either or both categories of award. The allocation of the program budget between the categories will depend on the total allocation for the year as well as the applications received but, as a guide, the allocation of funds will begin by assuming that roughly 50% of available funds will be allocated to each category.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must have fully acquitted previous PEP2 funds to be eligible to apply.
• Applicants must own, or share ownership of, a Western Australian based company engaged in production of genres of programs eligible for ScreenWest production investment. See General Guidelines: Activities Not Funded.
• Applicants must be Western Australian residents and former residents. See General Guidelines for Residency definitions.

For the purpose of Category 1 awards, the following production categories will be considered:

• Features, drama series, or one-off dramas with television presales;
• Documentary series, or one-off documentaries with television presales;
• Animation series.

The following will not be considered for the purpose of Category 1 awards:

• Productions or initiatives that are fully financed, directly or indirectly, by ScreenWest.
• Special "Stepping Stone" initiatives such as Marx and Venus, GenY, Destination Australia etc .
• Short films (drama, documentary, animation), television light entertainment, community television, educational programs, training, corporate communications, promotional or e-commerce projects are not eligible.

Use of Funds:

There is no restriction on the application of PEP2 funds consistent with the purpose of improving company performance and stability, provided that funds must not be used to make capital purchases of equipment for use in production or post-production. Details of expenditure of the funds must be reported half yearly and on acquittal. Applicants must be fully acquitted before becoming eligible for further funding.

Recoupment:

PEP2s are recoupable as for project development if used for that purpose, but otherwise not recoupable.

Conditions:

• Recouped amounts may be redrawn on the same terms until funds are extinguished.
• Recipients may re-apply after their previous award has been fully drawn, expended and acquitted.
• Recipients of PEP2 funding may apply for other ScreenWest programs but current PEP2 funding will be taken into account in assessment.

How effectively past PEP2 funding has been applied will be taken into account in assessing future PEP2 applications.

How To Apply:

Applicants for Category 1 must supply one copy of the following:

• A description of each applicant controlled production in Western Australia or containing Western Australian elements in the previous year, including synopsis and running time.
• A statement of expenditure by applicant controlled productions in Western Australia or on Western Australian elements in the previous year. This must be capable of being substantiated by an audit statement from an independent auditor. (Note: This may be provided by the production auditor on completion of the production.)
• Proof of residency if required (see Eligibility section above).

Applicants for Category 2 must supply one copy of the following:

• A statement covering the key benefits of a PEP2 to the applicant and the major purpose to which it would be applied.
• A pro-forma business plan (MS Word) , including an explanation of how the proposed PEP2 would fit into the business plan.
• A page for each project in current development containing a brief synopsis (one paragraph), brief history of the project to date (one paragraph), and main points of proposed development.
• A list of recent produced credits, noting year, type and running time of production. Note: credits should be as they appear on the finished film or program.
• Curricula vitae for all applicants.
• Any other documentation or supporting material that might assist consideration of the application, such as details of key collaborators.
• Proof of residency if required (see Eligibility section above).

Assessment:

Category 1:

This category will be assessed on the basis of expenditure by applicant controlled productions in Western Australia or on Western Australian elements in the previous year, substantiated by an audit statement. Qualifying applicants will each receive $25,000. If more applicants qualify than there are funds available, qualifying applicants will be ranked according to the total WA expenditure of their projects and successful applicants chosen according to rank. For the purpose of ranking, in order to recognize the differing cost structures of drama and documentary production, documentary expenditure will be counted at the rate of $2 for every $1 actual expenditure.

Category 2:

An amount of up to $25,000 will be awarded on the basis of the applicant's track record, current business plans and project development slates. Assessment will recognize the overall strength of applications. Successful applicants are likely to have demonstrated innovation in either their productions or their businesses and to have incorporated cross platform strategies in their productions or businesses.

Receipt of Submission:

All applicants will receive an acknowledgement email within two working days of the closing date. Should applicants not receive the acknowledgement within this timeframe it is expected that they will contact ScreenWest.

Important Note: Notification of Decisions:

Funding over $25,000 requires Board approval. As it is likely some PEP2 recipients will be in this category, all PEP2 funding decisions will be advised in writing of the decision within 5 business days of the ScreenWest Board's meeting. The timing of the Board meeting will be includeed in the acknowledgement email to all applicants. All decisions may be made conditional on the applicant meeting specified requirements. Unsuccessful applicants will be advised of the decision after the decision has been made and where applicable after the successful applicants have been notified.

Further information:

For further information, please contact ScreenWest Director of Production Development Harry Bardwell (ph: 08 9224 7340). Potential applicants are encouraged to discuss their applications with ScreenWest prior to submission.