Jamey Claffey receives Bill Warnock Talent Accelerator

Screenwest is pleased to announce Western Australian writer Jamey Claffey is the successful recipient of the Bill Warnock Talent Accelerator initiative, receiving up to $100,000 to develop her professional writing skills and screen projects.

The initiative is a year-long skills development program for early to mid-career Western Australian writers.

The program will accelerate Jamey’s career by expanding her creative development skills and screen industry contacts, bridging the gap between her ideas and the marketplace.

Across the next twelve months, Jamey will invest $80,000 in professional development, enabling her to work with some of Australia’s most coveted production companies and industry leaders. She will also invest $20,000 towards development of her own slate of projects.

Jamey is a Western Australian screenwriter, script developer and consultant. Having worked with producers, writers and commissioning teams for the likes of Audible, Fremantle, Dreamchaser, Left Bank Pictures and the BBC across the last 10 years, Jamey is now creating and writing her own slate of TV projects.

“I’m deeply grateful to Screenwest for this opportunity and greatly honoured to be connected to Bill Warnock’s incredible legacy. The Accelerator initiative will be career-changing. The placement component will allow me to refine my screenwriting craft under professional guidance and gain experience as a writer on a prestige drama series. The travel fund will enable me to expand my creative networks by attending conferences on the east coast and in the UK. I look forward to building a sustainable, full-time career as a Western Australian screenwriter and being a part of this exciting period of growth for WA’s screen industry,” said Jamey Claffey.

The late Bill Warnock (1934 – 2001) was a revered playwright, screenwriter, novelist, poet and activist who was passionate about the arts in Western Australia. Together with fellow Lotterywest Board Member John Fiocco was integral in amending the Lotteries Commission Act (WA) to mandate a fixed percentage of Lotterywest sales to the Festival of Perth and Screenwest each year. Warnock is survived by his wife Diana and children, Kylie and Adam, who carry on his legacy.

“Jamey Claffey, this year’s recipient of the Bill Warnock Accelerator, is an absolute powerhouse, and the Warnock family were excited to meet her last month. As an artistic family, we are incredibly pleased to be associated with this prestigious award,” said Adam Warnock. 

“Congratulations Jamey! We are excited to support you and your wonderful slate of projects with the Bill Warnock Talent Accelerator. Screenwest is committed to investing in local WA talent like Jamey. This opportunity is a tangible step in building your career as screenwriter and creator – we can’t wait to see what you do next,” said Michael Drake, Screenwest Development Executive: Talent and Content.

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