Director Pathway Program – 2027

BUILD YOUR PATH AS A SCREEN DIRECTOR

Develop your skills, expand your industry network and build momentum in your career.

What could unlock the next stage of your directing career?

Screenworks’ Director Pathway Program gives two early-career directors from regional NSW the opportunity to invest in their careers, strengthen their craft and build the industry connections they need to move forward.

Develop a 12-month Career Plan around your directing goals, identify the professional development and experiences that will help you get there, and receive targeted financial support to make it happen.

Whether you’re ready to take on bigger projects, looking to develop your directing practice, expand your network or open up new opportunities, the program is designed to help you build momentum and move your career forward.

The Opportunity

The two successful participants will receive:

• $4,000 professional development support – to fund activities outlined in your approved Career Plan, including training, professional development, conferences, events, markets or industry memberships.
• $1,500 travel support – to assist with travel costs associated with approved professional development and industry opportunities.
• Registration to Screenworks’ Regional to Global Screen Forum (valued at $275) – Connect with screen practitioners, industry leaders and fellow regional creatives at Screenworks’ annual film and TV industry forum.
• A complimentary 12 month ADG associate membership
• Consultation with an Australian Directors’ Guild representative – receive tailored career advice and industry insights, with the opportunity to make valuable industry connections.

The program is delivered by Screenworks with the support of Screen NSW and the Australian Directors’ Guild (ADG), with the ADG assisting with the assessment of applications.

How It Works?

Applicants will develop a 12-month Career Plan outlining the activities, opportunities and professional development that will help them move towards their career goals.

Your plan could include:

• Directing or other professional development courses
• Industry conferences, events or markets
• Industry memberships or subscriptions
• Other career-building activities aligned with your creative and professional goals.

Your Career Plan should be practical, achievable and clearly demonstrate how the support will help you take your next career step.

Who Is It For?

The Director Pathway Program is for emerging to early-career directors living in regional NSW who are committed to developing their practice and building a sustainable career in the screen industry. The program is open to directors working across all genres and formats.

Applicants must:

• Be an emerging or early-career screen director
• Demonstrate a commitment to pursuing a career in screen directing
• Be a current Screenworks member
• Currently live in regional NSW and have lived in regional NSW for at least six months prior to applying.

How Will Applicants Be Selected?

Applicants will be assessed on:

• The quality of their previous work, skills and experience
• Their commitment to a career as a screen director
• The strength and potential impact of their 12-month Career Plan
• How the opportunity could support their professional development and career goals
• Their potential to contribute to the growth of screen production in regional NSW.

What Do I Need To Apply?

You will need to provide:

• Completed application form
• CV/resume
• 12-Month Career Plan – download and complete the template, then upload it with your application
• Sample of your work (provide an online video link)
• Proof of regional NSW residency (e.g. driver’s licence or proof of age card)
• Proof of Australian citizenship

Definitions, guidelines, terms & conditions:

Please read the Program Guidelines and Terms & Conditions before applying.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 10:00am (AEDT), TUESDAY, 1st DECEMBER, 2026