Applications are open for the SBS Emerging Writers’ Incubator, a nationwide initiative from SBS, created to invest in the future of an increasingly diverse sector and more inclusive Australian storytelling.
The initiative provides a year of paid employment in a leading Australian production company for emerging writing talent reflecting backgrounds and experiences under-represented in the Australian industry.
Six successful writers will join the teams of Australian production companies acclaimed for their delivery of Australian drama. Over 12 months, they will gain significant work experience further developing their skills, knowledge, and networks, working across the production companies’ slate of drama productions. They will also be supported by the Australian Writers’ Guild with access to creative and training workshops.
The initiative is in partnership with Screen Australia, state and territory agencies Screen NSW, Screen Queensland, Screen Territory, Screenwest, the South Australian Film Corporation and VicScreen, and assistance from the Australian Writers’ Guild.
Julie Eckersley, Head of SBS Scripted, said: “The Emerging Writers’ Incubator is such a fantastic and exciting initiative we’re proud to be delivering with our partners. The support it provides to creatives making their way in this industry – from all backgrounds and diverse
experiences that reflect Australia today – has the potential to make a significant impact in their careers, as well as the future of our sector and stories on our screens.
“It’s great to be working with partners again this year who share our passion, particularly the production companies hosting writers in 2022. Good luck to all those applying – I can’t wait to see what we uncover.”
In 2022, the award-winning production companies taking part in the initiative are Brindle Films, who will host a Northern Territory writer; Easy Tiger, who will welcome a Western Australian writer into their NSW offices; Highview Productions, who will host a South Australian writer; Hoodlum Entertainment, hosting a Queensland-based writer; Jungle Entertainment, who will take on a New South Wales writer; and Sweetshop & Green, hosting a writer in Victoria.
Melissa Lee Speyer, development executive, Screen Australia, said: “Screen Australia is excited to support the second year of this initiative, and we can’t wait to see more outstanding talent from under-represented backgrounds unearthed all over Australia, and further escalated in their careers. This year-long placement opportunity with top production companies will make their career readiness undeniable.”
The six successful writers from the initiative in 2021 – who were among hundreds of applications received from across Australia – are currently working in their placements around the country, with Sebastian Chan at Bunya Productions (supported by Screen Canberra), Lâle Teoman at Goalpost Pictures (supported by Screen NSW), Nicholas Lin at Ludo Studio (supported by Screen Queensland), Ansuya Nathan at Closer Productions (supported by the South Australian Film Corporation), Alberto Di Troia at Tony Ayres Productions (supported by VicScreen) and Cassandra Nguyen at iGeneration Studios (formerly Komixx Entertainment, supported by Screenwest).
The Emerging Writers’ Incubator is open for applications from 26 April 2022 until 27 May 2022
Applications are made with each participating screen agency:
NSW applicants – Screen NSW
Queensland applicants – Screen Queensland
Northern Territory applicants – Screen Territory
West Australian applicants – Screenwest
South Australian applicants – SAFC
Victorian applicants – VicScreen
Top Image: The six successful SBS Emerging Writers’ Incubator candidates in 2021 – Top row (L-R) Sebastian Chan, Lâle Teoman, Nicholas Lin; and bottom row (L-R) Ansuya Nathan, Alberto Di Troia, Cassandra Nguyen.