Wake in Fright Development Initiative

The selected project will receive AU$30,000 in funding and dedicated development support from Sanctuary Pictures, with the goal of progressing the film into production.

AU$25,000 of the funding will be allocated to the writer to complete a draft and a polish, and AU$5,000 set aside for a script editor to help refine the script.

Our judging panel will consist of experienced creative producers, genre specialists and industry leaders. Full panel details will be announced closer to the application closing date. 

Annick Mahnert Director of Programming, Fantastic Fest; Programmer Sitges Film Festival; Executive Director Frontieres	Jonah Rabb Agent at WME, CAA Media Finance and Searchlight Pictures	Mitch Stanley CEO at No Coincidence Media

May 2025

Wake in Fright Development Initiative Announced

July 1 – Open for Applications 

Entrants are asked to submit a treatment (10 – 20 pages), a pathway to audience document (1 page), a development plan (1 page), and example(s) of previous work e.g. short film, TV series, or other writing samples. Please see resources section for further guidance on entry requirements. 

August 12 - Applications Close

Applications are due by 5pm AEST, Tuesday August 12, 2025.

9 October 2025

Recipient Announced

Competition Details

The Wake in Fright Development Initiative is intended as an annual opportunity inviting Australian writers to submit their film projects for the chance to receive significant development support.

Over the next three years, we will select one exceptional project annually from a diverse range of applicants as part of the initiative, providing funding and industry mentorship to help bring their story to life.

Assessment Criteria

A panel of external creative producers and script developers will review submissions based on:

• Creative Merit – Originality, creativity, and strength of vision
• Development Plan – Clear goals for the project’s progression
• Intended Audience – Understanding of the target viewers and market potential
• Professional History – Past work and commitment to developing their craft

We are looking for bold, distinctive projects that demonstrate originality, creativity, and a powerful cinematic vision.

Funding and Support

The selected project will receive AU$30,000 in funding, comprising:

• AU$25,000 for the writer to develop a draft and polish the script
• AU$5,000 for a script editor to support the refinement of the work

Sanctuary Pictures will oversee the initiative, supporting the writer through the development process and optioning the script. With continued progress, Sanctuary Pictures will produce the film. Umbrella Entertainment will manage distribution across Australia and New Zealand.

How to Apply

Please make sure to check this page on July 1 for all details.

We are excited to work with you to bring your film to life!

For useful tools and resources to assist with creating your entry requirements, visit the Screen Australia website here.

The wake In Fright Initiative is open to all Australians. We strongly encourage submissions from under-represented voices, including:

• Women
• First Nations people
• Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) individuals
• Deaf and disabled practitioners
• LGBTQIA+ community members
• Australians living in regional and remote areas in Australia

Established in 2008, the Wake in Fright Trust is an independent, not-for-profit collective that aims to honour and preserve the Wake in Fright feature film. The trust invests all received royalties from the film’s release back into the Australian film industry.

This initiative is also supported by; 

Umbrella Entertainment is a leading independent Australasian distributor committed to amplifying diverse voices and delivering compelling cinema to audiences across Australia and New Zealand. Their expertise spans theatrical releases, home entertainment, TV broadcasting, and digital platforms, showcasing world-class films that inspire, entertain, and resonate with wide-ranging audiences.

Sanctuary Pictures is a film production company dedicated to developing and producing bold, original Australasian content for global audiences. With a focus on distinctive storytelling and genre-driven cinema, Sanctuary Pictures champions emerging and under-represented voices, nurturing talent from script to screen.

The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) is a not-for-profit organisation, aimed at promoting, encouraging, and celebrating screen excellence in Australia. The Australian Academy is Australia’s only independent, member-based, national screen organisation that represents all differing screen crafts, from directors to producers, actors, writers, musicians, and a vast number of members in below-the-line roles.

For over 60 years, the AACTA Awards (formerly the AFI Awards) have recognised and celebrated Australia's highest achievements in film, television, short form, and digital content. The AACTA Awards are Australia’s most prestigious screen ceremony, embracing a diverse range of screen productions and recognising some of the biggest and brightest names in the industry. AACTA is committed to supporting and encouraging the next generation of industry talent through a variety of development initiatives aimed at providing opportunities and support for up-and-coming creatives.