As part of the three programs funded by Screen NSW — ‘Inside The Writers’ Room’, ‘Director Pathways Program’, and ‘Regional Producer Elevator Program’ — the selected participants will receive invaluable support and guidance over the next 12 months from some of Australia’s most respected writers, directors, and producers.
Head of Screen NSW Kyas Hepworth said: “At Screen NSW we are committed to providing sustainable pathways within the screen industry and your location should not be a barrier for entry in to and moving forward in your chosen screen career. We are thrilled to continue working with and supporting Screenworks in delivering these vital programs for our regional practitioners and I congratulate this year’s cohort on being selected for the Career Pathways Program 2025!”
Lisa O’Meara, CEO at Screenworks added: “We really value that Screen NSW prioritises supporting regional people to advance their careers. We have seen significant results from this program in previous years and I look forward to working with this year’s cohort of regional writers, directors and producers and seeing how they benefit from this opportunity.”
‘Inside the Writers’ Room is supported by BBC Studios, Easy Tiger and Matchbox Pictures who will take on a selected participant to observe one of their writers’ rooms.
Emerging Regional NSW screenwriters, Marieka Walsh from Stanwell Park, Joelene Howden from Suffolk Park, and Tarryn Gaffney from Murrumbateman were the selected writers for this year’s program and will be supported to travel to a writers’ room with one of the 2025 partner production companies.
“I am extremely excited and grateful to have been chosen for Inside the Writers Room with the creative team at Matchbox Pictures, whose work I admire!” said Marieka Walsh.
“I am so thrilled to receive this opportunity, and for the vote of confidence in my scriptwriting. I live and breathe storytelling and I can’t wait to experience the workings and intricacies of a staffed writers room,” Joelene Howden expressed.
“I am thankful and excited to be selected for the 2025 Inside the Writers’ Room Program. I’m grateful for this opportunity and looking forward to working with BBC Studios,” said Tarryn Gaffney.
The Director Pathway Program, supported by Screen NSW will see two emerging Regional-NSW directors receive $3,500 to support their professional development in 2025.
Elizabeth Tadic from Scarborough and Jason King from Broken Hill are the two emerging directors who will be receiving the Director Pathway Program support for 2025.
Elizabeth Tadic said the following about her selection for the program:
“I am absolutely thrilled to be selected for Screenworks’ Director Pathway program. After decades of telling other people’s stories as a journalist, I am ready to tell my own story. I am very thankful to receive mentorship and guidance in this exciting new stage of my career.
Jason King said he’s equally as thrilled about the support the program will offer him: “Screenworks does an incredible job supporting regional filmmakers, and I’m absolutely stoked to be selected for the highly competitive Director Pathway Program. Being based in Broken Hill can be isolating for creatives, and I know this invaluable support will significantly impact my directing career for the better.”
The Regional Producer Elevator Program is also supported by Screen NSW with Screen Producers Australia as a partner.
Adam Daniel from Medlow Bath and Emily Caelli from Singleton will each be allocated $3,500 to support their bespoke career development plans and will be provided with introductions to key players in the Australian screen industry. They will also receive registration to Screenworks Regional To Global Conference in 2025, as well as career and project advice from an experienced producer.
Adam Daniel said the following of his selection for the program:”I am incredibly grateful to be selected for Screenworks’ Regional Producer Elevator Program. This opportunity represents a vital step in building my career as a regional producer. I deeply appreciate the support from Screenworks and Screen NSW in creating pathways that foster emerging producers like myself.”
Emily Caelli said the opportunity is invaluable to her:
“I am beyond thrilled and honored to be selected for Screenworks’ 2025 Regional Producer Elevator Program. It felt like Christmas had come early when I opened the email from Lisa informing me I had been successful. I may or may not have danced around the house and ugly cried when I found out. This opportunity is invaluable to me as an emerging regional producer, and I can’t wait to work with Screenworks in 2025.”
The selection panels for the programs were made up of representatives from program partners, industry bodies, guilds, and independent assessors. Further details on Screenworks Career Pathway Programs and other programs and opportunities can be found on their website www.screenworks.com.au
