Screen and games industries supported in Northern Territory

The video games industry and screen sector is being supported by Northern Territory Government through their backing of local developers, studios and organisations.

$145,000 in Screen Territory Funding Program grants have been awarded to local gaming developers, not-for-profit organisations and film producers.

NT Minister for Industry, Nicole Manison notes “supporting our screen industry will grow and diversify our economy, and by branching out into gaming we’re uncovering talented Territorians and helping them achieve success.

“These grants will help foster growth within our local screen industry, build new capabilities and create new jobs and business opportunities for locals.

“The variety of projects help showcase Territory stories in innovative ways across a diverse range of platforms including PC computers, gaming simulators, film festivals, TV and screen.”

The 2022-23 Screen Territory Funding Program supports the growth of the screen industry by offering grants that expand both job opportunities and creative development.

For the first time, round three of the funding program included a new Games Development grant to support the growth of the video games industry in the Northern Territory.

The new Games Development grant is aimed at supporting Territory game developers and studios to create interactive screen projects and digital games.

There were two Games Development grant recipients:

• Salty Games received $40,000 to support the development of Pasture: The Livestock Simulator (pictured above).

• Larrikin Interactive received $40,000 to support the development of PC rhythm cooking game Diets and Deities.

Under round three, screen practitioners could also apply for funding under Audience Development and Production Finance grants.

Darwin Film Society received a $15,000 Audience Development grant to support the development and delivery of the Darwin International Film Festival (DIFF).

The Darwin Film Society (DFS), a not-for-profit, community-based organisation that was established in 1964 to screen a broad range of films that were not otherwise available at other Darwin cinemas.

DIFF returns with 11 nights of Premieres under the tropical stars between 14th and 24th September 2023. Combining the best of world cinema and a packed industry program, 2023 looks to be another bumper year for the festival.

The Production Finance grants contribute to the production of screen projects based primarily in the Territory, designed to build the capacity of our screen industry as well as raise the profile of the  Northern Territory.

The Hairy Marys, based in Nhulunbuy received $50,000 towards their comedy production.

To find out more visit screenterritory.nt.gov.au/funding

Image top. Darwin International Film Festival; Image above: Salty Games received $40,000 to support the development of Pasture: The Livestock Simulator