SBS Emerging Writers’ Incubator Returns to Support Greater Diversity in Screenwriting

SBS Emerging Writers’ Incubator is back for 2022.

It was launched last year in a bid to develop under-represented screenwriting talent. To do so, it provides a year of paid employment in a leading Australian production company for emerging writing talent.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and those who are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are the targets of the initiative, as are those who are deaf, hard of hearing or living with a disability. People who are female, gender diverse, identify as LGBTQIA+ and those who live in regional and remote areas are also eligible.

The six successful applicants in 2022 will be welcomed into various production houses.

Brindle Films will host a Northern Territory writer. Easy Tiger will welcome a Western Australian writer into its NSW offices. Highview Productions will take on a South Australian writer. Hoodlum Entertainment, meanwhile, will be responsible for the Queensland-based writer. Jungle Entertainment and Sweetshop & Green will take on a New South Wales and Victorian writer respectively.

The nationwide initiative from SBS is conducted in partnership with Screen Australia, Screen NSW, Screen Queensland, Screen Territory, Screenwest, the South Australian Film Corporation, VicScreen and the Australian Writers’ Guild.

Julie Eckersley, head of SBS Scripted, said she can’t wait to see what this year’s SBS Emerging Writers’ Incubator uncovers.

“The Emerging Writers’ Incubator is such a fantastic and exciting initiative we’re proud to be delivering with our partners. The support it provides to creatives making their way in this industry – from all backgrounds and diverse experiences that reflect Australia today – has the potential to make a significant impact in their careers, as well as the future of our sector and stories on our screens,” she said.

“It’s great to be working with our partners again this year who share our passion, particularly the production companies hosting writers in 2022.”

Melissa Lee Speyer, development executive at Screen Australia, said the program would make participants ready for careers in screen.

“Screen Australia is excited to support the second year of this initiative, and we can’t wait to see more outstanding talent from under-represented backgrounds unearthed all over Australia and further escalated in their careers. This year-long placement opportunity with top production companies will make their career readiness undeniable,” she said.

Applicants can apply via each participating screen agency including Screen NSW, Screen Queensland, Screen Territory, Screenwest, SAFC and VicScreen.

You can read more about the successful 2021 applicants (pictured above) here.