Advancing the career paths of regionally-based NSW screen directors

What’s the opportunity?

Screenworks’ Director Pathway Program is an annual professional development program that provides bespoke career development opportunities to two early-career directors living in regional NSW.

It is designed to increase the participating directors’ skills and industry experience by supporting them to create tailor-made career plans and by providing relevant screen industry introductions that will ultimately help them advance their careers. Screenworks, with the support of Screen NSW will invest $3,500 in implementing each of the selected participants’ career plans.

Tell me more!

The Director Pathway Program is delivered with the support of Screen NSW.

Two directors from regional NSW will be selected to undertake the following program:

  • $3,500 to go toward their professional/career development.
  • Registration to Screenworks’ 2025 Regional to Global Screen Forum.

As part of the application process, applicants are required to submit a detailed Career Plan setting out proposed activities for 2025 to the value of $3,500 (excluding GST). Your Career Plan can include training or professional development courses (eg screen directing courses), conference/event/market attendance (national or international) and relevant industry subscriptions.

Through this program, we expect that participants will enhance their skills and career potential and increase the capacity of the screen industry in regional Australia.

Who can apply?

The 2025 Director Pathway Program is open to directors of all genres, including (but not limited to) TV drama, documentary and children’s television.

This program would best suit early-career directors who are genuinely committed to building their skills as a professional director and need support and opportunities to further their careers.

Applicants must be a resident in regional NSW.

The following selection criteria will be considered when assessing applicants for participation in the 2025 Director Pathway Program:

  1. The potential effectiveness of the proposed Career Plan to help the applicant build relevant industry skills and overcome identified career barriers to living and working regionally with defined outcomes that help achieve future creative and career goals.
  2. The skills, achievements, experience and track record of the applicant 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 NSW.

What do I need to submit?

  • Application Form
  • CV/resume
  • 12-Month Career Plan – download and fill in this template (link to downloadable Career Plan Template), then upload it as instructed in your application form
  • A sample of your work – optional but recommended. Please provide a link to an online video of your work
  • Proof of regional residency (eg driver’s licence, proof of age card)

For more details on the criteria and application process please see the Program Guidelines and Terms & Conditions below.

Applications close: 5pm AEDT, 27 November

Definitions, guidelines, terms & conditions:


Screenworks Director Pathway Program 2025 is supported by Screen NSW.