Screenworks has launched its 2026 Career Pathway Programs in partnership with Screen NSW, with initiatives for film and television writers, directors and producers from regional NSW providing vital opportunities and support to boost careers and foster the next generation of Australian talent.
The Career Pathway Programs have been helping regional creatives thrive for 10+ years, and applications are now open for the 2026 Inside the Writers’ Room, Director Pathway and Regional Producer Elevator programs, as supported by the Australian Writers Guild, Australian Directors Guild, Screen Producers Australia, Easy Tiger Productions, Jungle Entertainment and Northern Pictures.
Through Screenworks’ existing partnerships with organisations and production companies, the selected participants will be provided with invaluable support and guidance from some of Australia’s most respected writers, directors and producers.
Applications close 9.00am November 26, with selected participants growing their craft and building industry connections to advance their careers and shape their filmmaking future, along with building the pipeline of screen talent in Australia.
Lisa O’Meara, CEO of Screenworks said, “We consistently see the benefits of supporting regional voices and talent, as the participants in these programs advance their careers and projects. We believe regional voices are an important part of the Australian screen industry and deserve to be heard on screens everywhere, and the Career Pathway Programs discover and foster talent in core above-the-line fields of filmmaking.”
Past participants include Rebecca O’Brien who participated in the Director Pathway program in 2020 and recently directed ABC TV series Austin and Stan series Bump. Jahvis Loveday went through the Screenworks Regional Producer Elevator program in 2023 and is working on a feature film, while Clare Sladden undertook Inside the Writers’ room in 2019 and recently wrote on the Stan series Good Cop, Bad Cop.
Inside the Writers’ Room is Screenworks’ annual professional development program in partnership with the Australian Writers Guild, Easy Tiger, Jungle Entertainment and Northern Pictures, giving three early-career screenwriters from regional NSW the chance to observe a professional television writers’ room. Participants will gain rare insights into the collaborative process behind TV drama or comedy, observing first-hand how professional writers develop stories from concept to screen.
Director Pathway in partnership with the Australian Directors Guild, gives two NSW directors $3,500 to implement a bespoke professional development program that will help them advance their screen directing career, plus a consultation with a representative from the guild, and registration to Screenworks’ flagship Regional to Global forum.
Regional Producer Elevator in partnership with Screen Producers Australia gives two regional NSW producers the opportunity to receive $3,500 to support their career development with career advice from a professional producer, complimentary SPA membership plus registration to Screenworks’ flagship Regional to Global forum.
Independent selection panels with representatives from Screenworks’ program partners, industry bodies and guilds will assess the applications for each of the programs. Screenworks encourages applications from people from diverse backgrounds who may not otherwise have the opportunity to access work opportunities.
For more information and full details on how to apply, visit the Screenworks website:
Screenworks’ Career Pathway Programs are supported by Screen NSW, Australian Writers Guild, Australian Directors Guild, Screen Producers Australia, Easy Tiger Productions, Jungle Entertainment and Northern Pictures.
https://screenworks.com.au/opportunities/career-pathway-programs-2026/
