Screen Queensland has announced the 25 participants from 21 channels selected for its inaugural Channel Lab: YouTube Accelerator initiative, a new upskilling program supporting local creators in the online video space to share their screen stories.
The cohort comprises emerging and established creators from diverse backgrounds from across Queensland, including people from regional communities, people with disability, Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Participants include Sarah Magusara, who is Australia's most followed influencer on TikTok with 18.1 million followers and Lucas Proudfoot, a prominent multi-platform First Nations artist.
The creators have now begun a 16-week program of masterclasses and mentoring, in partnership with Queensland's globally recognised Changer and support from YouTube.
The program runs from May to September 2024 and offers the selected participants a unique opportunity to work with industry experts from Changer. They will gain invaluable insights into audience engagement strategies, content creation techniques and production skills designed to upskill and grow their YouTube audience while enhancing their storytelling capabilities.
Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch said the Queensland Government is committed to championing Queensland's talented online creators to share diverse local screen narratives through increasingly accessible global platforms.
"This exciting capacity building initiative is contributing to the delivery of our Government's priorities for a strong and sustainable sector, sharing our unique stories and celebrating our storytellers."
Screen Queensland's CEO Jacqui Feeney said she is delighted that 21 talented content creators will be supported through Channel Lab: YouTube Accelerator.
"Screen Queensland is dedicated to cultivating the talent and skills of our local creators, recognising their pivotal role in the evolution of storytelling on screen. We are committed to empowering a new generation of screen content creators, providing them with the essential tools and support they need to flourish in the dynamic creator economy.
"Channel Lab: YouTube Accelerator provides an unparalleled opportunity for these content creators to foster new connections, gain valuable insights and receive exposure crucial to their development as storytellers. We look forward to seeing their progress and wish them every success."
Channel Lab: YouTube Accelerator participants:
Bench Chicken – Jordan Peña
bengthebrazilianengineerinAus – Gabriel Ribeiro Gardin Costa e Silva
brookestyless – Brooke and Jake O'Neill
Elly's Everyday Wholegrain Sourdough – Elly Emmett
Evelyn Wood – Evelyn Wood
Kristina's Travels – Kristina Costalos
Lucas Proudfoot – Lucas Proudfoot
macfarlanebros – Lachlan and Austin Macfarlane
McIntyresMalts – Wade McIntyre
Me Moni – Toddler Learning Videos – Monica Ferreira
mitchellburns – Mitchell Burns
Naysy – Anais Riley
Ocean Pancake – Katt Andryskova
rainbowbop – Sara Taghaode and Amy Parry
Rookie Rockhounding – Jesse Darrah
Salty Monkeys – Dennis Fay
sarahmagusara – Sarah Magusara
Self Suffishing Me – James Valencia
That British Girl: Jordana Grace – Jordana Grace Brown
Travel For Phoebe – Phoebe Lee
We Got The Chocolates – Mitchell and Leigh Drennan
