Through its collecting, storytelling, research and reuse services, the NFSA promotes the use of archival material in the creation of compelling creative content.

The Zero‑Fee Licence (ZFL) program was initially created to assist independent documentary filmmakers to tell Australian stories through use of the Film Australia Collection (FAC). We now offer support to a broad range of independent makers of Australian creative content by providing up to three minutes per program hour of NFSA‑owned footage (primarily the Film Australia Collection), free of usage fees. Other service fees still apply.

Applicants should bear in mind that the Film Australia Collection makes up the bulk of NFSA‑owned content in the collection. ZFL does not apply to third‑party‑owned collection material, and the use of third‑party material must be separately licensed with copyright owners or their representatives, and licensing fees may apply.

The Film Australia collection is a rich source of Australia’s social and cultural history. As well as providing factual archive content, the collection can be used for scene setting. The collection brilliantly depicts city life, rural landscapes and nature, fashion in the 20th century, home and leisure and workplace activities – whether in factories, in agriculture or in retail.

You’ll find three HD teaser reels below that provide a good example of the footage you’ll find in the Film Australia collection. All available for use with our ZFL support program.

Who can apply?

All audiovisual forms are eligible – factual and fictional film (feature and short form), podcast, artistic work, publication – across any platform: broadcast, social media, physical exhibition, print and digital.

Applications are accepted from established and emerging Australian production companies or independent creators.

Eligibility

1. You are an Australian production company or independent creator.
   Your production has confirmed funding. This may include production investment, commissions, government funding, crowdfunding or private funding.
2. Your project has a confirmed public outcome in Australia. This may include a distribution deal, festival screening, online platform, physical exhibition or publication. Projects that are solely online (e.g. YouTube, TikTok, Spotify) should demonstrate a significant audience of subscribers or followers.

The following makers are not eligible for ZFL but are encouraged to submit a collection request via NFSA Pro, which can be accessed through the catalogue:

• commercial or corporate video producers
• advertising agencies
• broadcasters
• news and current affairs producers
• cultural and educational institutions.

Terms and conditions

Access to the ZFL program is contingent on:

• the applicant completing a ZFL application form – we recommend contacting the Archive Sales & Loans team before applying
• the applicant providing sufficient information to demonstrate eligibility
• the applicant accepting that fees will be charged at the standard NFSA access rates for all costs not covered by the ZFL program
• the applicant entering into a binding licence agreement with the NFSA
• the NFSA having the appropriate rights and clearances to the selected material
• the applicant agreeing to supply the NFSA with a master copy of the completed production if they do not have Screen Australia funding
• sufficient and appropriate acknowledgement of NFSA’s support in supplying collection material. Acknowledgement will be specified in the licence agreement.

Costs

Fees will be charged at the standard NFSA Access rates for:

• general services, collection research, digitisation and supply of digital master clips
• use of NFSA collection material beyond the three minutes provided under ZFL
• collection material that is ineligible under the ZFL program.

Content usage

Use of material supplied under ZFL will be in accordance with the standard NFSA licence agreement.

Rights

Successful applicants enter into a contractually binding licence agreement with the NFSA.
Content is licensed on a non‑exclusive basis for use in a single identified project, as specified in the licence agreement. Any use outside the terms of the agreement requires NFSA approval.

The terms of the final licence agreement are generous and customised to the project. We will work with applicants to identify the terms required for appropriate distribution or display of the completed work.

NFSA Enterprises staff will advise of any restrictions that may apply (for example, relating to copyright, talent, location or Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property rights) at the time of footage selection.

Right of refusal

The NFSA retains the right, in its absolute discretion, to refuse any ZFL application. Our decision will be final.

Apply

Eligibility is assessed case by case, based on project type, use, audience and distribution.

If you’re eligible to use the ZFL program, please submit this form. An Enterprises team member will contact you.