Applications are open for the SBS Emerging Writers' Incubator, a nationwide initiative from SBS in partnership with Screen Australia, state and territory agencies Screen NSW, Screen Queensland, Screen Territory, Screenwest, the South Australian Film Corporation and VicScreen, and with the assistance of the Australian Writers' Guild, supporting the development of under-represented screenwriting talent.Launched in 2021, the initiative was created to invest in the future of an increasingly diverse sector and more inclusive Australian storytelling, by providing 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. This includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; people who are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; people who are Deaf, hard of hearing or with disability; people who are female or gender diverse; people who identify as LGBTQIA+; and people located in regional and remote areas.
This year, once again, 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.
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.
The six successful writers from the initiative in 2021 (pictured) - 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), L le 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).
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.
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.
David Gordon, Acting Head of Screen NSW, said: Screen NSW is proud to support the Emerging Writers' Incubator with SBS and to back a new generation of diverse writing talents through this program. The Emerging Writers' Incubator will make possible a pathway for under-represented screenwriters across the country to develop the skills and share new stories that will add to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive screen industry. I encourage any potential screenwriters from NSW with a dream and a unique perspective to give it a go.
Belinda Burns, Screen Queensland Chief Creative Officer, said: Screen Queensland is proud to support this initiative again, to help elevate and champion vital stories from Australias diverse and under-represented talent. This year, were thrilled to endorse a Queensland screenwriter to join the team at award-winning production company, Hoodlum Entertainment.
Jennie Hughes, Director of Screen Territory, said: Screen Territory is delighted to be supporting the Emerging Writers' Incubator this year with Screen Australia and SBS. The initiative will provide a unique opportunity for an emerging screenwriter to learn from and collaborate with Brindle Films, one of the NT's most exciting and successful production companies.
Martha Coleman, Screenwest Head of Creative: Content and Industry Development, said: Screenwest is proud to be supporting this life changing initiative for the second year. Our 2021 recipient, Cassandra Nguyen, is gaining invaluable knowledge and experience at iGeneration Studios (formerly Komixx Entertainment) in Perth, and we're delighted to provide an equally talented new Western Australian writer this opportunity at Easy Tiger.
Kate Croser, CEO of the South Australian Film Corporation, said: The SAFC is delighted to once again support this exciting initiative as part of our ongoing commitment to increase diversity in the South Australian screen sector, and to grow and diversify the pool of credited South Australian key creatives. Following last year's South Australian recipient, Ansuya Nathan, joining the team at Closer Productions, we are thrilled to
