Inside the Writers Room 2017

Advancing the career paths of regionally-based screenwriters

Inside the Writers Room is a professional development program designed to give four regional NSW screenwriters the opportunity to sit in and watch professional writers working on the story for a television script in a writers room environment.

Thanks to the ongoing support of some of Australia’s leading production companies, Screenworks is able to offer the selected participants the opportunity to observe writers rooms of the following highly respected companies:

• Every Cloud Productions (Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, The Gods of Wheat Street);
• Essential Media and Entertainment (Rake, Jack Irish);
• Jungle (The Moodys, Here Comes The Habibs); and
• Matchbox Pictures (Barracuda, The Slap).

These opportunities are most relevant to emerging or early-career writers of television content, and more specifically TV drama or comedy series. There may also be an opportunity for the participants to receive advice or a market appraisal on their own projects or scripts.

By delivering the program for a third year, Screenworks wants to build the capacity of local emerging and early-career screenwriters, provide opportunity for people living and/or working in regional NSW, and improve our local industry’s capacity and sustainability.

APPLICATIONS HAVE NOW CLOSED

CLICK HERE TO VIEW A SAMPLE APPLICATION FORM.

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PROGRAM STRUCTURE:

Four emerging or early-career screenwriters will be offered the following opportunities:

1. OPPORTUNITY TO OBSERVE A WRITERS ROOM IN ACTION

Up to 1 week trip to Sydney or Melbourne to observe a professional writers room take place at one of four productions companies. This component includes flights, accommodation (up to 4 nights), per diems and ground transfers included.

2. PRESENTATION TO LOCAL SCREENWRITERS GROUP

Successful participants will be required to present to the local Screenwriters Group to discuss the outcomes from their involvement in the program (at the completion of the program).

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ELIGIBILITY AND SELECTION CRITERIA:

Screenworks will conduct an online application process and will establish a panel of industry professionals to help select the four emerging or early-career screenwriters to take part in the project.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

To apply for Inside the Writers Room you must meet ALL of the following criteria:

• Must be able to demonstrate a high-level writing ability by providing an example of writing for TV, especially drama or comedy and demonstrate a commitment to pursuing a long-term career as a screenwriter;
• Demonstrate that you have been living in Northern NSW* for a minimum period of 12 months prior to submitting your application (* refer to definitions below);
• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident;
• Applicant must be a Screenworks Member
• Complete all sections of the online application form and submit the application prior to Midday, Tuesday 4 October 2016.

SUPPORT MATERIALS AND DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED:

1. Details on your current project (including title, short synopsis, potential format etc)

2. A sample of your work – a treatment or script extract (up to 5 pages maximum)

3. An up-to-date resume/CV

4. A letter of support from a screen industry professional who has known you for more than 12 months and/or is familiar with your work.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

The following selection criteria will be considered when assessing applicants for participation in Screenworks Inside the Writers Room program (all criteria areas are equally weighted):

1. The potential for the writers room opportunity to help the applicant build relevant industry skills and potential to establish a career as a screenwriter living and working regionally.
2. The skills, achievements, experience and track record of the applicant(s) and the quality of their previous work.
3. The potential of the applicant to contribute to and enhance the growth of screen production in regional Northern NSW demonstrated by the quality of sample works and support documentation provided with the application.

Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse people and people living in remote areas of Australia are strongly encouraged.

Screenworks is strongly committed to ensuring equal access to this project – if you require assistance with your application, please contact Screenworks on:
Telephone: (02) 6687 1599.

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ASSESSMENT PROCESS & APPLICATION DEADLINES:

ASSESSMENT PROCESS:

All applications will receive an initial eligibility, quality and relevance assessment by Screenworks staff. Shortlisted applications will be sent to an assessment panel comprised of highly qualified and experienced screen industry professionals.

The assessment panel will consider how well the eligible applicants meet the selection criteria (listed above).

Applicants will be notified by late November/early December 2016 in writing of the outcome of their application.

Application Deadlines:

Applications to Screenworks’ Inside the Writers Room program will close Midday Tuesday 4 October 2016 (Australian Eastern Daylight Time)

Applications must be submitted using the online application form available via Screenworks website. No late entries will be accepted, no extensions will be granted. Incomplete applications will be deemed ineligible.

Screenworks will advise all applicants in writing of application success or otherwise. No specific feedback will be given on individual applications.

APPLICATIONS HAVE NOW CLOSED

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DEFINITIONS/GLOSSARY OF TERMS:

“Northern NSW” – refers to the following regions that are shown coloured in the below map: Northern Rivers, Mid-North Coast, Northern Inland, Orana and Far West. (click on image below to view larger in new window)

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ENQUIRIES OR MORE INFORMATION:

If you have any questions about the Inside the Writers Room program or require information about the application process and/or form, please contact:

Ken Crouch (Screenworks General Manager)

Email: [email protected] | Phone: (02) 6687 1599

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PARTNERS:

Screenworks’ Inside the Writers Room is supported by

 

Screen NSW