Screen Australia has announced it will increase the Minimum Licence Fees (MLF) for General Drama and Children’s Programs, to come into effect 1 July 2026, noting that the increase will be applied from the next Screen Australia funding deadline of 14 May 2026.
Any narrative/scripted project seeking direct funding from Screen Australia will require the updated Licence Fees.
In summary, the new licence settings are:
- Drama - from $500,000 per hour to $550,000 per hour
- Children’s - from $130,680 per half-hour to $144,000 per half-hour (or $125,000 in limited circumstances of non-exclusivity)
- Additional minimum licences are payable for secondary AVOD/BVOD rights ($14,000 and $7,000) and also for usage across different FTA/SVOD platforms ($50,000 and $25,000).
- For monetised digital usage - royalty share not less than 50:50
Screen Australia also notes that:
- The MLF cannot include equity; broadcast rights for New Zealand or any ROW territory; secondary rights (except as permitted above); distribution rights; or ancillary rights.
- If further rights or extended licence periods beyond 3 years are sought, additional licence fees are to be negotiated in good faith (on market terms, acceptable to Screen Australia and following relevant industrial agreements).
- These are minimum requirements, producers may negotiate for more favourable rates for rights, depending on the unique circumstances of each project.
For further information please see the Narrative Content Production Funding Guidelines (see bottom of page) on Screen Australia’s website, and the Notice itself.
Please keep SPA informed of any issues that arise by contacting info@screenproducers.org.au.