Inside the Writers’ Room – 2027

STEP INSIDE THE ROOM. START BUILDING YOUR TV CAREER.

See how stories are developed, shaped and brought to life and get a first-hand look at what it takes to build a career as a screenwriter.

What really happens in a professional television writers’ room?

Screenworks’ Inside the Writers’ Room gives three early-career screenwriters from regional NSW the opportunity to find out.

Through an in-person placement with an established production company, participants will observe a professional writers’ room at work and gain insights into the creative and collaborative processes behind scripted television.

It’s a unique opportunity to experience the industry from the inside, learn from working screenwriters and gain a deeper understanding of how stories move from an idea to the screen.

The Opportunity

With the support of our industry partners Werner Film Productions, Lingo Pictures and Ludo Studio, three selected writers will be placed in professional television writers’ rooms as observers.

Each participant will:

• Spend a minimum of three days (maximum of five) observing a professional writers’ room
• Be supported with flights, accommodation (up to five nights), and per diems to travel to/from to the writers’ room location
• Gain first-hand insight into the professional screenwriting process and the collaborative nature of a writers’ room
• Receive a complimentary 12 month AWG associate membership (if you are not already an AWG member)
• Receive career advice in a one-on-one meeting with a representative from the AWG 
• Share their experience and learnings in a short written report following the placement.

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

Who Is It For?

Inside the Writers’ Room is designed for emerging to early-career screenwriters living in regional NSW who are serious about developing a career in television.

Applicants must:

• Demonstrate strong writing ability, with a sample of television work, preferably drama or comedy
• Demonstrate a commitment to pursuing a career in screenwriting
• 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 strength and quality of their writing, skills and experience
• Their commitment to a career in screenwriting
• How the opportunity could contribute to their professional development and career progression
• Their potential to contribute to the growth of the screen industry in regional NSW.

What Do I Need To Apply?

You will need to provide:

• A completed application form
• Your CV/resume
• A writing sample – script synopsis and script extract, maximum 10 pages
• Must be a paid Screenworks member
• Proof of regional NSW residency (e.g. driver’s licence)
• 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