SBS & Screen Australia launch new initiative for under-represented writers

SBS and Screen Australia have joined forces on a new project that aims to develop new short-form content for streaming service SBS On Demand.

Digital Originals has been establishes to provide opportunities and support for writers from diverse backgrounds currently under-represented in the industry.

The program will be open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people living with a disability, the LGBTIQ+ community, women and people living in remote areas.

“SBS has a proud heritage of providing pathways for creatives traditionally under-represented in the screen sector, as part of our commitment to sharing stories that truly explore, reflect and celebrate the diversity of Australia today,” said Marshall Heald, Director of TV and Online Content at SBS.

“Short-form content provides a really exciting way to tell unique and compelling stories from a range of diverse experiences. We’re proud to partner with Screen Australia on Digital Originals, and look forward to supporting a new generation of Australian storytellers.”

A maximum of ten writers and projects will be invited to attend an exclusive workshop with a focus on short-form narrative writing skills, mentored by Australian director and producer Anna Dokoza (Flight of the Conchords, Lady Dynamite, Special) and Ryan O’Connell, writer, producer and star of Netflix’s Special.

“To the new crop of Australian talent, we’re coming to you armed with SPECIAL stories,” Dokoza said.

“To the rest of Australia, Ryan O’Connell is limping, laughing and leaping across the Pacific to the beaches and boys. Good luck to all. See you soon, we can’t wait to get there.”

Submissions are open now on Screen Australia’s website and close midnight Friday, 13 September 2019.

OIP Staff