
26 09 2022 - Media release Screen Australia launches NCIS: Sydney Script Department Program
Image of Sydney Skyline / Shutterstock
Screen Australia has today announced the NCIS: SYDNEY S1 Script Department Program, a collaboration with Paramount Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), CBS Studios and Endemol Shine Australia (A Banijay company) to offer up to five early-mid career screenwriters the opportunity to be embedded in the script department for the highly anticipated local iteration of the global franchise NCIS: SYDNEY S1.
The Aussiewood meets Hollywood initiative aims to provide Australian screenwriters with high-level training to further strengthen their career trajectory in scripted episodic storytelling.
Placed writers will be given the opportunity to join the series' global-calibre script department and benefit from the backing of experienced creatives including senior script co-ordinators, writers and editors, who will guide the process and contribute directly to the writers' learning and professional development.
The 10-week full-time paid opportunity is designed to immerse selected Australian screenwriters in all facets of the script development process. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to rotate through all roles that make up a global-calibre script department and gain invaluable experience on one of the world's most successful TV dramas.
Screen Australia Head of Content, Grainne Brunsdon said, We're thrilled to facilitate this program which will enable early to mid-career writers to completely immerse themselves and learn in a writer's room of an established world-leading franchise, here in Australia. It's an exceptional chance to upskill our local creatives and position them to achieve global success with local productions.
In an increasingly competitive global entertainment landscape this insight and experience is invaluable. We're pleased to be working with partners Paramount ANZ, CBS Studios and ESA who share our passion for creating career pathways in the local sector.
Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer, Paramount ANZ, Beverley McGarvey said, "We are so pleased that the first international series of the iconic NCIS franchise will be shot here in Australia. NCIS: SYDNEY comes with many fantastic opportunities for local actors, production crew and writers, to be part of such a legacy franchise, and now with the NCIS: SYDNEY S1 Script Department Program, there is even more scope for Aussie writers and creatives to learn, grow and contribute on a global scale."
Chief Executive Officer Endemol Shine Australia, Peter Newman, said, We are delighted to announce our partnership with Screen Australia for this very important writer's initiative on NCIS: SYDNEY, the first international iteration of this iconic franchise. We are proud to champion local emerging creative talent and look forward to seeing them thrive, learning alongside a number of Australia's most experienced screenwriters to deliver an incredible series for Paramount . We can't wait for NCIS: SYDNEY to showcase Australian storytelling on an international stage.
Produced by CBS Studios in association with Endemol Shine Australia, NCIS: SYDNEY marks the first iteration of the hit NCIS series based outside of the United States. Announced in February, the original series and latest installment of the iconic global franchise will launch exclusively on Paramount and Network 10 in Australia.
Applications are open now and close 5pm AEST Thursday 6 October 2022 and can be made via the Screen Australia application portal. For eligibility requirements and how to apply see Guidelines here.
Eligible applications will be considered and reviewed by CBS Studios, Endemol Shine Australia, Screen Australia and/or industry specialists with successful applicants notified by Friday 28 October 2022.
Submissions should include the following:
Fully completed application form including contact details and applicant eligibility; and,
CV/Biog (maximum 1 page) including writing credits applicable to the required eligibility to apply to this program; and,
A personal motivation statement (maximum 1 page) that includes:
Why you wish to apply to this program;
How the opportunity supports your career goals and trajectory;
Why you believe you are ready for this opportunity; and,
What you believe you will contribute by participating in this program.
A letter of recommendation and/or support (maximum 1 page) from a professional context you have worked in as a screen or theatre writer.
One set of samples pages (maximum 5 pages) of your scripted writing (any genre, any platform) either produced or unproduced.
This program is presented by Screen Australia in collaboration with Paramount ANZ, CBS Studios and Endemol Shine Australia with industry partner Australian Writers' Guild.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES Carly Cadogan | 02 8399 0626 | [email protected]
Media enquiries Maddie Walsh | Publicist
61 2 8113 5915 | 61 400 156 625 | [email protected]
Lidia Williams | Senior Publicist
61 2 8113 1091 | 61 468 784 170 | [email protected]
All other general/non-media enquiries
Sydney 61 2 8113 5800 | Melbourne 61 3 8682 1900 | [email protected]
Asia, Australia & Oceanic Stories
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...
02/10/2026
Agility Beyond Space achieves ISO 27001 certification, strengthening the securit...
01/10/2026
Screen Australia-funded documentaries bring Australian experiences and new persp...
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 ...
21/09/2026
Indigenous screen organisations from Canada, Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia ...
18/09/2026
The inside scoop on attention-grabbing market assets from those in the know 17 September 2026
(L-R): Sophie Green, Todd Brown and Edwina Waddy
In the feature ...
17/09/2026
Respected journalist Catalina Fl rez to succeed Anton Enus as SBS World News pre...
16/09/2026
Screen Australia funds games projects in every state and territory as Screen Cur...
15/09/2026
Applications open for Future Leaders Delegation to BitSummit 2027 15 September 2026
Applications are open for Screen Australia's annual Future Leaders Dele...
14/09/2026
WTA Awards Tier 4 to Agility Beyond Space Subic Bay and Cikarang sites...
11/09/2026
Agility Beyond Space and Sonema deepen their long-term partnership to strengthen...
10/09/2026
Agility Beyond Space and Levira partner to expand video distribution across Eura...
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 ...
09/09/2026
Twenty Years Strong...
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...
03/09/2026
Fraudulent communications purportedly from Screen Australia 3 September 2026
Screen Australia is aware of scam attempts involving fake emails and promotional m...
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 ...
01/09/2026
Brochure
Brochure
Brochure
Brochure
Brochure
Brochure
Venera Technologies ...
31/08/2026
Optus commits 3% of consumer brand spend to First Nations media in new landmark ...
31/08/2026
Digicel Pacific Selects Techtel for PNG Digital TV Head-End Transformation
31 Aug Written By Mal Chandler
Sydney, 31 August 2026 - Techtel has been appointe...
27/08/2026
Screen Australia opens applications for Global Fellowships Program 27 August 2026
Applications are now open for the Screen Australia Global Fellowships progra...
26/08/2026
Brochure
Brochure
Brochure
Brochure
Brochure
Brochure
Venera Technologies ...
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...
21/08/2026
Join the Screen Currency 2026 Ask Me Anything (AMA) Online 20 August 2026
(L-R): Adrian Coates, Grainne Brunsdon, Deirdre Brennan, Rachael Perkins
Got questio...
20/08/2026
Audiences reveal appetite for multicultural Australia on-screen 20 August 2026
Dr Georgie McClean, Dr Rebecca Huntley (L-R)
By Dr Georgie McClean and Dr Rebec...
19/08/2026
Screen Australia releases the Private Investment Toolkit to strengthen screen in...
19/08/2026
Do Aussies truly value local content? Unpacking Screen Currency 2026 with Deirdr...
13/08/2026
Brochure
Brochure
Brochure
Brochure
Brochure
Brochure
Venera Technologies ...
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...
11/08/2026
Transforming your audience into advocates with Kelsey Gamble 10 August 2026
Building community, harnessing fandom for marketing and activating the four stages ...
07/08/2026
Opening Statement: Public hearing of the Inquiry into Racism, Hate and Violence ...
06/08/2026
Screen Australia and YouTube Australia fund five new teams through eleventh Skip...
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...
29/07/2026
Applications open for IFFI/WAVES Film Bazaar in Goa - Producer Delegation 28 July 2026
Image credit: Four Years Later
Screen Australia has opened applications...
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 ...
23/07/2026
Screen Australia announces new national documentary accelerator program 23 July 2026
Screen Australia has today announced the Above the Line Documentary Accel...
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...