Film Victoria is partnering with the ABC, Princess Pictures and Fremantle to offer two more 12-month paid positions for Indigenous and traditionally under-represented Victorian creative talent to kick-start their careers in screen, following the successful pilot of the Victorian Screen Development Internships this year.
Film Victoria’s Victorian Screen Development Internships are open to diverse creators with a passion for storytelling, whether they’re playwrights, performers or producers from across the arts sector, providing they have some experience developing, producing or writing creative content, projects or productions.
Designed to overcome traditional barriers to entering the screen industry, the internships aim to fasttrack career progression by spanning the full scope of screen content development, with successful applicants spending up to four months with each screen organisation.
Year one interns Nikki Tran and Davey Thompson took full advantage of what the internships offered – from giving notes on scripts and deepening their knowledge of commissioning to assisting on the set of How To Stay Married season two. Nikki is continuing to develop her own projects as well as working with Fremantle about opportunities in their scripted department, while Davey is now a Development Associate with Screen Australia’s Indigenous Unit.
Nikki Tran and Davey Thompson will be talking about their internship experiences and giving advice to diverse creators who are interested in applying at a live Q&A on Film Victoria’s Facebook page on Tuesday 15 December 2020 at 11.00am. Register now!
“The Victorian Government is working to open up new career opportunities in our creative industries and ensuring that our creative sector represents the diversity of the Victorian community,” said Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson. “We’re proud to support this program which will bring new voices and new perspectives into the screen industry and set a strong foundation for the next generation of screen leaders.”
“Having seen firsthand the fresh ideas and insights that Nikki and Davey bring to the table, I couldn’t be more excited for them to take the next steps in their careers,” said Film Victoria CEO Caroline Pitcher. “Their success demonstrates the value of in-depth programs like these and I am thrilled that we’re now supporting two more diverse storytellers, in partnership with the ABC, Princess Pictures and Fremantle.”
“Diverse creative talent is the lifeblood of our industry and the ABC is committed to supporting our next generation of content makers,” said Michael Carrington, ABC Director Entertainment & Specialist. “We are proud to again join with Film Victoria, Princess Pictures and Fremantle in providing a development opportunity for emerging and under-represented Australian creatives to flourish.”
“Having new, fresh voices as part of our work is vital, and Davey was a revelation,” said Laura Waters, Company Founder/Producer, Princess Pictures. “We hope to continue our relationship with him as he made an incredible contribution during his time at Princess, and are excited to be part of this very successful program again.”
“35 years of producing Neighbours in Melbourne has meant that Fremantle has benefitted from significant emerging talent in Victoria,” said Chris Oliver-Taylor, CEO Fremantle Asia-Pacific. “It is part of the Fremantle DNA that it continues to play a part in the next generation of creative talent. We’re thrilled to partner with Film Victoria and the ABC on this vital pathway to employment.”
Applications for the Victorian Screen Development Internships are now open and close 11.00pm – Thursday 14 January 2021. For more information, visit: www.film.vic.gov.au for details.
Image: Nikki Tran and Davey Thompson – courtesy of Film Victoria