Applications are now open for the SBS Emerging Writers’ Incubator, a nationwide initiative from SBS in partnership with Screen Australia, state and territory agencies to support the development of under-represented screenwriting talent.
The initiative was launched in 2021 with a focus on providing a year of paid employment in a leading Australian production company for emerging writing talent from backgrounds under-represented in the Australian industry.
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 – who were among hundreds of applications received from across Australia – are currently working in their placements around the country.
“The Emerging Writers’ Incubator is such a fantastic and exciting initiative we’re proud to be delivering with our partners,” said head of SBS Scripted, Julie Eckersley.
“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.
Melissa Lee Speyer, Development Executive at Screen Australia, added, “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.”
The Emerging Writers’ Incubator is open for applications from today, 26 April 2022 until 27 May 2022. 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.
Applications are made with each participating screen agency:
Queensland applicants – Screen Queensland
Northern Territory applicants – Screen Territory
West Australian applicants – Screenwest
South Australian applicants – SAFC
Victorian applicants – VicScreen
The Emerging Writers’ Incubator is one of the many initiatives delivered by SBS designed to improve diversity and inclusion in the screen industry.
