Six screen creatives selected for the 2024 SBS Emerging Writers' Incubator initiative
6 February, 2024
Media releases
SBS has today announced the six screenwriters selected for the third year of the SBS Emerging Writers' Incubator. The successful creatives were chosen from hundreds of submissions, and during 2024, they will each join a leading Australian production company acclaimed for their Australian drama, for a year of paid employment as they further develop their careers in the sector.
The SBS Emerging Writers' Incubator is a nationwide industry initiative supporting the development of under-represented screenwriting talent in Australia, including 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. In its third year, the initiative is delivered in partnership with SBS, Screen Australia, and state screen agencies Screen NSW, Screen Queensland, Screen Tasmania, Screenwest, the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) and VicScreen, and with the assistance of the Australian Writers' Guild.
Top (L-R): Shauna O'Meara, Siobhan Domingo, Lata Periakarpan; bottom (L-R) Michael Hudson, Emily Steel, Rhianna Malezer
The successful emerging writers selected for the initiative in 2024, and the production companies they are joining, are:
NSW: Siobhan Domingo joins Endemol Shine Australia, supported by Screen NSW
QLD: Rhianna Malezer joins Orange Entertainment Co, supported by Screen Queensland
SA: Emily Steel joins Kojo Studios, supported by the South Australian Film Corporation
TAS: Shauna O'Meara joins TAP (Tony Ayres Productions), supported by Screen Tasmania
VIC: Michael Hudson joins Kindling Pictures, supported by VicScreen
WA: Lata Periakarpan joins Curio Pictures, supported by Screenwest.
Since its launch in 2021, the initiative has supported 12 writers who have joined Australian production companies acclaimed for their delivery of Australian drama for a 12-month paid placement. Through the placement, they can gain significant, practical and meaningful work experience and further develop their skills, knowledge, and networks while working across the production companies' slate of drama productions. They are also supported by the Australian Writers' Guild with access to creative and training workshops.
Catherine Kelleher, Development Executive, SBS Scripted, said: The Emerging Writers' Incubator reflects our commitment at SBS to invest, support and elevate new voices and an increasingly inclusive sector. Congratulations to the shortlisted candidates and to the six emerging writers selected for the third year of this initiative. These writers all bring unique perspectives to their work and reflect voices and experiences that are historically under-represented. We've seen the benefits that the initiative brings to both the writers involved, and the production companies they join. It is fantastic to be working with our partners as we grow and develop the future of Australian storytelling. We can't wait to see the impact they'll have as they continue their careers.
Bobby Romia, Head of Development, Screen Australia, said: A huge congratulations to the six talented screenwriters selected for the SBS Emerging Writers' Incubator. Screen Australia is committed to discovering and developing new creative talent, particularly voices that represent contemporary Australia. We look forward to seeing the results from this year's participants and are delighted to support them as they develop their craft. This partnership with SBS is a showcase of the incredible diversity of talent working in Australia and a significant opportunity for us to work together to foster a more inclusive landscape for Australian storytelling.
Kyas Hepworth, Head of Screen NSW, said: With its commitment to providing inclusive opportunities to new voices and showcasing Australia's stories on the world stage, Screen NSW is excited to again support the SBS Emerging Writers' Incubator initiative in 2024. We look forward to hearing about the experiences that these six talented emerging writers will have with leading production companies, including NSW-based screenwriter and director Siobhan Domingo with Endemol Shine Australia, and see the skills and growth that they will gain from participating in this important program.
Jacqui Feeney, Screen Queensland CEO, said: Screen Queensland is delighted to support this program which will pair multi-talented First Nations practitioner Rhianna Malezer with local producers Orange Entertainment Co. (Audrey, Retrograde). The SBS Emerging Writers' Incubator is a career defining opportunity for Rhianna to develop her voice as a writer with a company committed to producing screen stories from a wide range of perspectives. Rhianna has previously participated in Screen Queensland's Attachment program, development initiatives and Market and Travel Grants, and we are proud to now provide a boost to her screenwriting career through this year-long placement.
Alex Sangston, Executive Manager, Screen Tasmania, said: The Emerging Writers' Incubator is a fantastic opportunity for our writers to have their skills nurtured by industry professionals, allowing them to thrive and setting them up for success. We are thrilled to be supporting Tasmanian writer Shauna O'Meara for her placement with Tony Ayres Productions (TAP) this year and congratulate her on being selected from a strong bunch of shortlisted candidates. We can't wait to see where it leads Shauna next.
Rikki Lea Bestall, Screenwest CEO,said: The SBS Emerging Writers' Incubator has been an incred
Asia, Australia & Oceanic Stories
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
Media releases
As Australia prepares for the 2026 Census on Tuesday 11 August, SBS is helping ensur...
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...
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...
14/07/2026
Techtel Successfully Relocates AICD Broadcast Studio to New Sydney Headquarters
BroadcastBroadcast EquipmentLive StreamingBroadcast Studio2026
14 July Writ...
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...
08/07/2026
The right team. The right time.' How The Killings at Parrish Station stuck t...
08/07/2026
Australians in Film and Screen Australia launch FUTURE VISION Forward to elevate...
07/07/2026
New appointments to Screen Australia board 7 July 2026
The Albanese Labor Government has made new appointments to the Screen Australia board.
Dr Tania Chamber...
07/07/2026
The right team. The right time.' How The Killings at Parrish Station stuck t...
06/07/2026
Techtel debuts insyght: making ST 2110 media discovery easy
intellisphereinsyght2026
6 July Written By Suzanne Costello
Sydney, Australia - 06 July 2026 T...
03/07/2026
Caden Pearson appointed new Commissioning Editor for NITV
3 July, 2026
Media releases
National Indigenous Television (NITV) has strengthened its commitment...
02/07/2026
Screen Australia backs audience-led filmmaking with new insight-driven initiativ...
02/07/2026
Screen Australia refines guidelines for Narrative Content Development and Docume...
01/07/2026
Groundbreaking First Nations Screen Business Accelerator launched through nation...
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...
23/06/2026
Australians in Film and Screen Australia's talent development initiative UNT...
22/06/2026
FIFA World Cup 2026 fever grows, as more than one third of Australians tune in ...
18/06/2026
Techtel delivers Haivision live streaming system for TAFE NSW St Leonards, enabl...
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...
16/06/2026
Share your views on Screen Australia and the future of the industry 15 June 2026
Your feedback matters.
Following the instrumental insights provided in 2025,...
16/06/2026
Techtel Supports T-Motion RCCP-2A Controller Upgrade for Major Australian Broadc...
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...
15/06/2026
Techtel Completes Media Production Setup for a major AFL sporting organisation
Sports
15 June Written By Suzanne Costello
(Sydney, Australia 15 June 2026)...
12/06/2026
How Aussie indie games and screen are levelling up with IP 11 June 2026
Ari Harrison, Pro Jank Footy
Head of Games Joey Egger and Ari Harrison of Umbrella sha...
11/06/2026
Australian Games Industry Glossary of Terms 10 June 2026
From DAU and EULA to COT and QADE, here's a list of game industry terms, industry jargon and their...
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...
03/06/2026
Do not read this media release! Andy Lee's smash-hit show returns to ABC thi...
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...
28/05/2026
Six films, one unmissable collection. First Facts documentaries debut on 10 Stre...
Six screen creatives selected for the 2024 SBS Emerging Writers' Incubator initiative 
