The Australian Writers’ Guild in collaboration with Audible, the world’s leading provider and producer of audiobooks and spoken word entertainment, and with support from Screen Australia, have launched an exciting new podcast competition and development opportunity for Australian writers.
On Air will see writers from across the industry given the opportunity to broaden their creative prospects and turn their screen and stage writing skills towards new avenues in the podcast space, expanding the scope of contemporary non-fiction and fiction audio storytelling.
On Air invites writers to submit ideas for a 3-6 hour podcast concept of premium quality and global audience appeal. Entries are open to all AWG members, with writers encouraged to pitch strong narratives that attest to the power of audio storytelling to entertain and spark conversations. A maximum of eight project ideas will be shortlisted, with up to $20,000 distributed across the successful project/s, and the potential for these projects to form part of Audible’s original content program.
There’s incredible storytelling potential to be found in podcasts and audio, especially as the world adapts to our new normal and people seek immersive and inventive stories via different formats,” said Susie Hamilton, Professional Development Manager at the Australian Writers’ Guild. “We believe this is a strong growth sector for our members and we’re excited to collaborate with Audible and Screen Australia to provide this tangible development opportunity.”
“Audible entertains, inspires, and informs our millions of listeners around the world through outstanding audio storytelling,” said Ben Naparstek, Director of Content for Audible Australia and New Zealand. “Australians have a keen interest in locally produced audio that captures their unique stories in the Australian voice, and we’re thrilled to work with the Australian Writers’ Guild and Screen Australia to develop exciting local talent and ideas.”
Notable local Audible Original productions include It Burns by Marc Fennell, The Goodbye Party by Louis Nowra, Riot Act by Dan Ilic, Kacie Anning, Mark Humphries and Evan Williams, Habits for Happiness by Dr Tim Sharp and Second Skin by Christian White.
Entries for On Air are now open and close on Monday 1 June 2020. For more information, including terms and conditions, visit: www.awg.com.au for details.