Screen Australia and the Australian Writers' Guild (AWG) have announced applications are open for The Creators program. Now in its second year, The Creators is a career acceleration program for high-calibre, mid-career screenwriters to build toward the creation of their own shows.
Through the program, up to six writers with existing episodic slates will be selected to travel to Los Angeles USA to participate in training, industry meetings and networking events in 2024.
Building on the success of the 2023 program, this second iteration will provide selected screenwriters with world-class training, project and pitching development and networking opportunities to sell their stories in domestic and international markets.
Emmy Award-winner Jeff Melvoin (Northern Exposure, Killing Eve, Designated Survivor), founder and Chair of the Writers Guild of America's Showrunner Training Program, will lead the selected writers in a training and pitching workshop in the US.
The Creators is supported by industry partners Scripted Ink and Film Independent.
Screen Australia's Head of Development Bobby Romia said, "Following a successful inaugural year of The Creators, we are excited to once again collaborate with AWG to support a new cohort of writers in 2024. This program provides writers with exceptional opportunities in developing their careers, strengthening their business acumen and building crucial connections, whilst advancing their original Australian stories and gaining exposure to the US industry. This has been career-changing for the 2023 participants and I encourage all eligible screenwriters to apply."
AWG President Shane Brennan said, "Building on the success of the first year of The Creators, we are delighted to support this incredible initiative again in 2024. Australian writers are amongst the best in the world and this program empowers them to realise their potential."
Susie Hamilton, The Creators Program Director said, "The Australian Writers' Guild is thrilled to be moving into Year Two of The Creators with the support of Screen Australia. The success of Year One has exceeded our expectations and we look forward to welcoming the next group of talented writer-creators to take part in this extraordinary program."
To apply, writers must have recent credits across television, feature film and/or theatre; and existing interest from the global community. They must also have a slate of 3-5 scripted episodic projects currently in development including one lead project with a draft pilot script that will be developed as part of the program. Applicants must be available from 4-17 May 2024 to attend.
For the full eligibility requirements and how to apply see the Guidelines here.
Applications are open and close at 5pm AEDT Thursday 1 February 2024.
Successful applicants will be notified by Monday 11 March 2024.
