The Emerging Writers’ Incubator returns, calling out for a new wave of Australian storytellers

Six more screenwriting creatives from under-represented communities will join leading Australian production companies, as the industry initiative returns in its third year. For the first time, Screen Tasmania will be supporting a Tasmanian writer’s year-long placement – with one writer going to Tony Ayres Productions in Victoria.

Applications are now open for the SBS Emerging Writers’ Incubator, a nationwide initiative supporting the development of historically under-represented screenwriting talent in the Australian screen sector. In its third year in 2023, the initiative will be delivered in partnership with Screen Australia, and state agencies Screen NSW, Screen Queensland, Screen Tasmania, Screenwest, the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) and VicScreen, and with the assistance of the Australian Writers’ Guild.

Launched in 2021, the initiative was created to invest in the future of an increasingly inclusive screen sector and Australian storytelling, by providing a year of paid employment in a leading Australian production company for emerging writing talent reflecting backgrounds and experiences historically under-represented in the Australian industry. This includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; people who are culturally and linguistically diverse; 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 a 12-month period, employed full-time, 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 2023, the award-winning production companies taking part in the initiative are Curio Pictures who will host a West Australian writer; Endemol Shine Australia who will host a NSW-based writer; Kindling Pictures hosting a Victorian writer; KojoStudios who will have a South Australian writer join the team; Orange Entertainment hosting a Queensland writer; and TAP (Tony Ayres Productions) who will host a Tasmanian writer in their office in Melbourne, supported by Screen Tasmania.

Julie Eckersley, Head of SBS Scripted, said: “At SBS, we’re committed to bringing though a tidal wave of new and diverse voices to tell stories for our screen. Giving skills and opportunity to talent that reflects the wonderful richness of who we are as a country makes for fresh, dynamic, surprising and entertaining stories that more Australians can connect with.

“The Emerging Writers’ Incubator is an exciting example of how we can come together as a sector and invest in genuine pathways and support careers. It is fabulous to see previous participants’ credits on shows, and with so much untapped talent out there I can’t wait to see what this year’s Incubator uncovers.”

The Emerging Writers’ Incubator is open for applications from Monday 15 May 2023 until 16 June 2023. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by late August 2023, with placements in host companies due to commence later this year.

Applications by Tasmanian writers are made via Screen Tasmania’s applications portal.

If you have queries after reading the GUIDELINES please contact Danielle McCarthy.

About TAP (Tony Ayres Production) (hosting a Tasmanian writer)

Established in 2018, TAP is a film and television production company specialising in high-end scripted drama and feature films for both Australian and international audiences.  A founding member of Matchbox Pictures, where he was one of Australia’s most prolific creatives (The Slap, Glitch, Nowhere Boys) Tony Ayres founded TAP as a vehicle to explore stories of global interest with heart, working with both emerging and established talent from around the world. TAP’s projects include Stateless (selected for Berlinale 2020), eight-part thriller Clickbait, multi-award winning drama Fires, and upcoming ABC / BBC kids comedy Spooky Files. TAP has an exclusive deal with Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group, and has the backing of Universal International Studios and Matchbox Pictures.