Applications are open for the 2026 Lotterywest Elevate Initiative, a Screenwest program that will fund up to eight Western Australian short films, animations, or online series. You have until September 28th to apply.
Elevate is aimed at early-to-mid career creatives. The funding pays for one finished short, which a director or producer can then take to festivals and funders when pitching a bigger project. Screenwest appoints an executive producer to manage production and delivery across the whole cohort, rather than leaving each team to run its own shoot.
The grant is split into two options: Elevate 30 covers projects running up to seven minutes, at up to $30,000 each. Elevate 70 covers projects up to ten minutes, at up to $70,000. Recipients can also access a further $2,000 towards marketing the finished project and entering it into festivals.
Projects selected in this round are expected to enter production in 2027.
The grant is backed by Lotterywest, which has funded Screenwest for more than three decades, and its 2025-26 grant of $10.8 million was the largest yet, up from $10.7 million the year before.
“Lotterywest is proud to have partnered with Screenwest for more than three decades, and we’re excited to continue supporting the next generation of creators to share the stories, experiences and perspectives that help connect and enrich WA communities,” Lotterywest CEO Colin Smith said.
How to apply
Applications go through Screenwest and close at 5:00 pm on September 28th.
