A new industry internship program announced by Film Victoria today will provide career pathways into screen development for Indigenous and traditionally under-represented Victorian creative talent.
Created by Film Victoria with the ABC, Matchbox Pictures and Princess Pictures, the Victorian Screen Development Internships are open to creatives with a passion for storytelling, regardless of their artistic discipline, providing they have some experience developing, producing, writing or editing creative content, projects or productions.
Designed to overcome traditional barriers to entering the screen industry, such as the need for screen credits, the internships aim to fast-track career progression by spanning the full scope of screen content development over a 12 month period, offering placements of up to four months with each program partner.
Following the full lifecycle of developing content, interns will learn how to assess pitches, scripts and funding applications with Film Victoria, will shadow commissioning editors at the ABC, and will learn first-hand from principal producers at Matchbox Pictures or Princess Pictures.
The Victorian Screen Development Internships program will offer two paid, practical roles, designed to create work-ready professionals. Applicants will be selected in early July 2019, and will commence in the second half of 2019. Applications are now open via the Film Victoria website, and will close on Thursday 9 May 2019.
Film Victoria CEO, Caroline Pitcher, said: “The Victorian Screen Development Internships target creatives from a cross-section of the arts, tapping into new talent who are passionate about storytelling, and want to forge a career in screen.
“Audiences are thirsty for fresh perspectives from diverse voices. By upskilling emerging creative talent to find and develop screen content, this program provides the perfect platform for discovering new stories.
“Film Victoria is committed to providing career pathways for Indigenous and traditionally under-represented people via placements, attachments and funding programs. By partnering with the ABC, Matchbox Pictures and Princess Pictures to offer internships, we’re creating a unique opportunity to break into the screen industry with tailored, all-encompassing roles which will open new doors.”
Michael Carrington, ABC Acting Director Entertainment & Specialist, said: “The ABC is proud to partner with Film Victoria, Matchbox and Princess Pictures in supporting emerging creative talent from diverse backgrounds. Interns will work with the ABC’s leading production teams and commissioning editors in delivering outstanding content to audiences, enhancing the depth and diversity of voices, talent and stories across Australia’s screen industry.”
Alastair McKinnon, Managing Director of Matchbox Pictures, said: “For years Matchbox has supported career development for new and underrepresented voices in the screen industry and this internship program is a wonderful opportunity for a passionate and ambitious new voice to kick-start their career.”
Laura Waters Company Founder / Producer, Princess Pictures, said: “It’s too easy in the chaos of production to rely on a known set of people, when in fact our entire industry is driven by surprising practitioners with different points of view. We’re excited to open up access to people we may not have found on our own."
For more information about the program and how to apply, visit the Victorian Screen Development Internships page on the Film Victoria website.