Platform /
Developing passion projects process
Five years. That’s how long it takes, on average, to bring a film from idea to the screen.
Flash back five years. TikTok was just taking off, the streaming wars were accelerating, and audiences were beginning to reshape how and where they engage with stories. Fast forward to now, and the landscape has shifted again. Discovery is fragmented, attention is currency, and social platforms are shaping not just marketing, but the creative itself.
For filmmakers, that means the old rules no longer apply.
To stay ahead of rapidly evolving audience behaviour and industry trends, creators need more than just talent – they need tools, insights, and connections.
Enter Platform.
Presented by For Film’s Sake and Sydney Film Festival, and proudly supported by major partners Screen NSW and Wildbear, Platform is a bold, immersive talent development initiative unlike any other. Embedded into the festival, filmmakers access global market intelligence and industry-shaping insights, all the point of inception. By doing so, FFS empowers Australian creatives to elevate not just their projects, but their entire creative process.
Over six days, twelve emerging and established screen producers and multidisciplinary creatives will collaborate, develop and pitch new works of screen fiction, guided by international mentors and filmmaking guests of the 73rd SFF. Maybe it will lead to a new project or a future partnership or maybe it will be an intensive, inductive and iterative exploration into new creative processes better suited to our digital age. Platform: Lab will be delivered by UK creator of the BFI Producer Programme Samm Haillay and founding mentor of South Africa’s Realness Institute, Mmabatho Kau.
All selected participants will receive accommodation, lunches, and tickets to festival screenings and events as part of the program. Interstate, regional or remote participants may apply for travel support via a limited-access bursary for those experiencing financial hardship. Please note, this funding is limited.
Platform Dates: 8-13th June 2026
Venue: Wildbear Sydney CBD, The Hub, Lower Town Hall
Lab Pitches: Saturday 13th June
Applications are now closed, thank you to all who applied. We are currently assessing and expect to announce in the coming week.
We want to say a huge thank you to a major partners Screen NSW for their ongoing support.
FAQ
What dates does Platform run?
Platform will run the second week of SFF, 8-13th of June. We ask filmmakers arrive no later than 10am on Monday 9th. The program culminates in a live pitch in the SFF Hub on the 13th so accommodation will be booked until the 13th of June.
Where will Platform be held, in person or online?
Platform will be held in person at venues of the Sydney Film Festival and our good friends at Wildbear. Participants must be available for the stipulated dates and cannot attend sessions virtually.
What will we do at Platform?
Daily workshops include 6 to 8 hours of content per day, excluding writing time and scheduled SFF screenings. Lab sessions will focus on skills of rapid content development and testing based on design thinking principles. The idea is to quickly, succinctly and successfully find the strengths and weaknesses in a project and design solutions to improve your work and skills.
I live outside of Sydney, can I apply?
Yes, of course! Platform is designed for all Australian based creatives. If you are selected for Platform, your Sydney accommodation, daily lunches and screenings will be supplied by FFS. You will need to pay for your return flights, ground transportation and evening meals as they are outside the program scope.
I’m a concession card holder so paying for flights is going to be hard, what do I do?
FFS has a limited, non-competitive bursary available for concession card holders only. You must indicate your intention to access support at application and all accepted applicants will have the total bursary split evenly between them. As FFS is a small charity, the total allocated bursary is small and will likely represent a partial contribution to your costs, depending on your location and the number of applicants intending to access support. However, we will discuss this with you at the point of acceptance.
Do I need screen credits to apply for Platform?
Nope. Unlike many other development schemes, Platform isn’t interested in whether you’ve made something for the screen before, or if you intend to make the project you create at Platform. We are interested in selecting dedicated, insightful, adaptable creatives who are committed to creative and professional growth, rather than their big idea.
Who is running Platform?
Platform: Lab will be delivered by Samm Haillay, UK creator of the BFI Producer Programme and founding mentor of South African development lab Realness, Mmabatho Kau. Additionally, international guests of the Sydney Film Festival will be stopping by to work with Platform participants but we can’t announce those folk just yet.
Could I get funding from Platform?
Maybe, maybe not. The culminating pitch will be attended by the domestic market who may give feedback on your project and work. We can’t guarantee but we hope attendees will make valuable connections to benefit you in future. Regardless, the point of Platform is to help sharpen your skills and insight into development rather than trying to find finance for whatever you create at Platform.
I’ve been working on this idea for a film/series/webisode. Could I work on that at Platform?
Nope. You’re tasked with finding a new collaborator(s) within the Platform group and creating work with them. You’ll need to be open to their ideas as much as they’ll need to be open to yours. Attempting to retool or rework existing work will likely be less impactful as well as less fun for you and those you’ll be working with.
When does Platform open for applications and when does it close?
It’s open now and closes Sunday 29th May at midnight. However, this year we have elected to make applications rolling meaning we may close submissions if we have selected twelve participants early. The application process has been streamlined deliberately and we definitely can’t accept any late applications.
Is there any follow up from the submission?
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a short 15-30 minute video call as soon as they have been shortlisted. All applicants will be advised of their application on the 28th of May.
What do I need to apply?
You will need to answer the questions in the application form that you can preview and send in a two minute pitch video outlining why you want to participate in Platform. That’s it!
What questions do I need to answer?
Click the link and find out! Or if you truly can’t preview we’re interested in why you want to apply and why Platform is right for you at this time. That’s it!
Why a video?
Platform is a public-facing program and you’ll be working collaboratively within a diverse, creative group. We want to get a sense of how comfortable you are in a social context which we can’t do from written answers alone. Don’t hire a studio and don’t overthink it!
Need more answers?
Get in touch with hello@forfilmssake.org