Screenworks has launched the 2026 Regional Crew Pathways Queensland in partnership with Netflix, Screen Queensland and the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS). The career-boosting initiative is now calling for screen and media applicants from across regional Queensland to receive training and employment in below-the-line roles, providing valuable skills and developing the pipeline of screen talent in Australia.
The entry-level initiative will train up to 20 participants in an On-Set Onboarding course run by AFTRS on the Sunshine Coast from December 9 to 11, 2025 with applications now open and closing November 21, 2025. One participant will be selected for a 6 months paid placement in a film and television crew role beginning January 2026.
Regional Crew Pathways directly addresses identified below-the-line skill gaps, providing valuable skills advancement and building screen production capacity in regional areas. The initiative has previously run in Northern New South Wales, North and Far North Queensland, Tasmania and the Northern Territory with over 300 people participating in training, and 13 undertaking paid placements. The majority of trainees on placements have secured continuing work in crew roles.
Lisa O’Meara, CEO of Screenworks said, “We’re thrilled to open this results rich program to all of regional Queensland. Regional Crew Pathways has had a huge impact on the careers of its participants, and with the generous support of Netflix, plus Screen Queensland and AFTRS, we are able to continue providing emerging talent with this opportunity. Below-the-line skilled people are vital to a thriving Australian film and television industry – and it’s equally important that people in regional areas have access to the training and connections needed to build sustainable screen careers.”
Previous Regional Crew Pathways participants include A’mi Gray who has gone on to work with Baz Luhrmann’s Bazmark, Shanna Neisher who has had ongoing work as a camera assistant including a Good Things Productions shoot in Far North Queensland, Willow Inman who is an art department freelancer, and Juliet May who is now working with Hive Productions in Tasmania.
Debra Richards, Director, Production Policy APAC at Netflix, said, “Australia has amazing screen talent, but it’s essential we keep developing the next generation of skilled crew so the industry stays strong and sustainable. Working with Screenworks, Screen Queensland, and AFTRS means we can help create paid placements and training that give emerging practitioners from regional Queensland a real shot at taking that next step in their careers.
“We’ve seen first-hand through our work with Screenworks since 2021 how much impact these programs have, and it’s great to keep backing something that genuinely grows and strengthens Australia’s screen workforce. With Queensland production levels higher than ever, and demand for skilled crew through the roof, initiatives like Regional Crew Pathways couldn’t be more important.”
Robbie Miles, Head of Industry and Alumni at AFTRS said, “AFTRS is proud to collaborate with Screenworks and Netflix on this initiative. It reflects our commitment to delivering practical, industry-focused training in below-the-line roles and expanding national career pathways into the screen sector. Programs like this are essential to building a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready screen industry.”
Applications are now open and will close on Friday, November 21 at 9AM, Queensland time. The On-Set Onboarding course will run from Tuesday, December 9, to Thursday, December 11, on the Sunshine Coast. Participants selected for the Onboarding course must attend the course to be considered for the paid placement. Screenworks encourages applications from people from diverse backgrounds who may not otherwise have the opportunity to access work opportunities.
Screenworks is seeking Production Companies and Heads of Departments from across Queensland interested in taking on trainees for entry-level, early-career work placements in 2026. All trainees will be paid by Screenworks during their placement terms. Please contact Screenworks at [email protected] to register your interest.
Further information and applications, please visit https://screenworks.com.au/opportunities/regional-crew-pathways-queensland-2026/
Screenworks’ Regional Crew Pathways program is supported by Netflix, Screen Queensland, and The Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS)
