SBS Emerging Writers’ Incubator returns for 2022
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 underrepresented 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 underrepresented 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, award-winning production company Easy Tiger will welcome a Western Australian writer into their NSW offices.
Easy Tiger’s credits include the ABC drama comedies Rake, Jack Irish, and Peter Temple adaptation the telemovie The Broken Shore, and it is also the producer of Nine Network top-rating drama comedy Doctor Doctor, Easy Tiger also received international acclaim for its 4-part SBS dramas Sunshine and The Principal.
Renowned for their creative rigour and for producing compelling series with high production values, Easy Tiger collaborate regularly with Australia’s finest writers and work with high pedigree directing talent.
The six successful writers from the initiative in 2021 – who were among hundreds of applications received from across Australia – are currently working in their placements around the country. Western Australian recipient Cassandra Nguyen is currently working as a development producer at iGeneration Studios.
“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.” said Julie Eckersley, Head of SBS Scripted.
“Screen Australia is excited to support the second year of this initiative, and we can’t wait to see more outstanding talent from underrepresented 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.” said Melissa Lee Speyer, Development Executive, Screen Australia.
“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.” said Martha Coleman, Screenwest Head of Creative: Content and Industry Development.
How to Apply
The application deadline is Friday, 27 May 2022 at 5:00pm AWST.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by early August 2022, with placements in host companies due to commence later this year.
Western Australian applications will be accepted through the Screenwest SmartyGrants portal.
The full guidelines, application materials and eligibility criteria are available on the Skills & Business Support page of the Screenwest website.
Program Contact
For more information about this program, please contact:
Eva Di Blasio, Talent Development Manager
Screenwest (Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
T: + 61 8 6169 2108
E: eva.diblasio@screenwest.com.au
Barbara Connell, Drama Development Manager
Screenwest
T: +61 8 6169 2127
E: barbara.connell@screenwest.com.au