
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
More from SBS Broadcast
07/10/2026
Statement on the passing of Richard Morecroft
7 October, 2026
Media releases
Statement by SBS Managing Director, Jane Palfreyman
SBS is deeply saddened...
06/10/2026
SBS invites audiences and communities to help shape the future of its language s...
02/10/2026
New SBS podcast How Australia Works helps migrants to navigate Australia's d...
23/09/2026
Koori Knockout returns home exclusively to NITV and SBS On Demand in 2026
11 September, 2026
Media releases
Fans can catch all the live action exclusively ...
17/09/2026
Respected journalist Catalina Fl rez to succeed Anton Enus as SBS World News pre...
09/09/2026
NITV to bring First Nations netball to audiences nationwide
9 September, 2026
Media releases
Every match of the 2026 First Nations Tournament will be live ...
08/09/2026
The Airport Chaplain takes off as SBS's biggest launch of 2026
8 September, 2026
Media releases
1.67 million viewers on National Total TV to date
Best...
01/09/2026
SBS secures exclusive rights to FIFA World Cup 2030
1 September, 2026
Media releases
Major sports rights deal ensures all Australians will be able to view...
01/09/2026
SBS announces the launch of outcomes-based measurement across its network
1 September, 2026
Media releases
New offer sees national broadcaster put outcomes...
01/09/2026
Revealed: The Booster Economy' how $140bn+ in everyday inheritances'...
01/09/2026
SBS census explorer to provide new insights into contemporary Australia
1 September, 2026
Media releases
The 2026 Census Explorer will give marketers new i...
01/09/2026
SBS and oOh!media launch exclusive SBS News content partnership across office, a...
01/09/2026
SBS offers marketers greater reach with extension into outdoor, creator economy ...
01/09/2026
SBS and The Guardian join forces to supersize sustainability challenge for 2027
1 September, 2026
Media releases
SBS Media and Guardian Australia have join...
01/09/2026
SBS goes deeper in 2027 with provocative Australian documentaries, star-studded ...
31/08/2026
Optus commits 3% of consumer brand spend to First Nations media in new landmark ...
24/08/2026
SBS WorldWatch embraces digital future with move to SBS On Demand
24 August, 2026
Media releases
On 18 September, SBS WorldWatch will transition from a lin...
12/08/2026
2026 NATIONAL NAIDOC AWARDS TO BROADCAST ON NITV LIVE AND DIRECT FROM MPARNTWE
12 August, 2026
Media releases
First Nations excellence will be celebrated l...
12/08/2026
More than six million sports fans stay with SBS for Tour de France and Tour de F...
07/08/2026
Opening Statement: Public hearing of the Inquiry into Racism, Hate and Violence ...
04/08/2026
SBS helps Australians understand why every Census counts
4 August, 2026
Media releases
As Australia prepares for the 2026 Census on Tuesday 11 August, SBS ...
30/07/2026
Premiere date revealed for SBS Original drama The Airport Chaplain, starring Hug...
29/07/2026
SBS Appoints Chief Commercial Officer and Director of Marketing and Audiences
29 July, 2026
Media releases
SBS is pleased to announce the appointment of Ni...
23/07/2026
NITV launches new By Mob For Mob series in partnership with NRMA Insurance
23 July, 2026
Media releases
National Indigenous Television (NITV) has launched ...
21/07/2026
SBS scores biggest ever FIFA World Cup Reach as Spain triumph in the final
21 July, 2026
Media releases
Spain v Argentina attracted a Total TV reach of al...
17/07/2026
Legendary presenter Anton Enus to sign off from SBS World News after 27 years wi...
17/07/2026
Millions rise before dawn to watch FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals on SBS
17 July, 2026
Media releases
England v Argentina attracted a Total TV reach of a...
16/07/2026
NITV and SBS bring Australians to the heart of Garma
16 July, 2026
Media releases
The Garma Festival returns from 31 July-3 August, with NITV and SBS deliv...
13/07/2026
Millions tuned in for quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on SBS
13 July, 2026
Media releases
Norway v England attracted a Total TV reach of 3.7 mil...
09/07/2026
SBS statement Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion
9 July, 2026
Media releases
SBS acknowledges the gravity of the matters before the Roy...
08/07/2026
Well over half of Australia have tuned in to watch the FIFA World Cup on SBS
7 July, 2026
Media releases
Australia's Round of 32 match against Egypt a...
08/07/2026
SBS and Koorie Heritage Trust announce three-year partnership to celebrate First...
03/07/2026
Caden Pearson appointed new Commissioning Editor for NITV
3 July, 2026
Media releases
National Indigenous Television (NITV) has strengthened its commitment...
30/06/2026
Statement regarding GetUp Save Our SBS' campaign
30 June, 2026
Media releases
The GetUp Save Our SBS' campaign is an independent initiative. SBS ...
27/06/2026
A record 4.84 million Australians choose SBS as the Socceroos advance at FIFA Wo...
25/06/2026
The Name You Know, The Lineup You'll Love - SBS2 Returns
25 June, 2026
Media releases
SBS Viceland rebrands as SBS2 on Friday 21 August, bringing the c...
22/06/2026
FIFA World Cup 2026 fever grows, as more than one third of Australians tune in ...
16/06/2026
Australians place growing trust in SBS News
16 June, 2026
Media releases
SBS has been recognised as one of Australia's most trusted news providers, ran...
15/06/2026
4.78M AUSSIES TUNE IN FOR SOCCEROOS WIN OVER T RK YE ON SBS
15 June, 2026
Media releases
Match had a Total TV average audience of 3.035 million, with over ...
15/06/2026
SBS Head of Commissioning John Godfrey to depart after 18 years
15 June, 2026
Media releases
SBS Head of Commissioning John Godfrey will depart the broadca...
10/06/2026
Alone Australia Season 4: Meet the Cast
10 June, 2026
Media releases
WATCH THE TRAILER
Smash-hit survival series Alone Australia drops its highly anticipa...
10/06/2026
DEADLY THEN, DEADLY NOW, DEADLY ALWAYS: SBS & NITV IGNITE NAIDOC WEEK 2026 WITH ...
04/06/2026
Is Your Job Making You Work this June?
4 June, 2026
Media releases
SBS Launches the World Cup Watchers' Rights Association to Stand Up For Australians&...
04/06/2026
Statement regarding unauthorised use of SBS logos on third party social content
4 June, 2026
Media releases
SBS has become aware of social media posts in c...
03/06/2026
Clarification: SBS's position on definitions of antisemitism
3 June, 2026
Media releases
Statement by Mandi Wicks, SBS Director of News and Current Aff...
01/06/2026
SBS confirms its broadcast sponsors for FIFA World Cup 2026
1 June, 2026
Media releases
SBS has secured Hyundai, Hisense, Macca's, Rexona, bet365, Com...
28/05/2026
Get fit for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with new SBS On Demand features for the ult...
25/05/2026
SBS announces exclusive TV broadcast schedule for FIFA World Cup 2026
21 May, 2026
Media releases
Luke Wilkshire, Tommy Oar, Andrew Redmayne, Sarah Walsh ...
22/05/2026
Statement regarding 2026 National NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award for the late...