Recipients of the 2022 Victorian Screen Development Internships announced

Image of Madeleine Ruskin (left) and Gina Song (right), photographed by James Henry. Madeleine and Gina pose together, looking confidently at the camera. 

VicScreen, Paramount Australia and New Zealand, Blackfella Films and Fremantle Australia have announced Gina Song and Madeleine Ruskin as the successful recipients of the highly coveted Victorian Screen Development Internships.  

The internship program is designed to overcome traditional barriers to entering the screen industry, as well as supporting emerging screen creatives to fast-track their careers.  

This week, Gina and Madeleine kickstarted their 12-month internships, which include four-month placements at the participating organisations.   

Gina and Madeleine will gain first-hand experience across the entire process of developing content, from sitting in on a writers’ room, to assessing scripts and funding applications, to working with principal producers at world-leading production and distribution companies.  

Gina Song photographed by James Henry. Gina wears a light blue jumper and is looking confidently at the camera, with one arm over her lap. 

“The Screen Development Internship is a dream opportunity to work with leading professionals and learn everything about getting Australian scripts to screen. I'm so excited to be where change happens, and I hope to use the skills from this year to better advocate for emerging and underrepresented storytellers.”  — Gina Song

A graduate from the University of Melbourne’s Bachelor in Media and Communications, Gina Song is passionate about authentic Australian television and underrepresented stories. Gina has a range of experience as a Production Assistant and journalist, with her work published by The New York Times and SBS Voices. 

Gina Song said, “The Screen Development Internship is a dream opportunity to work with leading professionals and learn everything about getting Australian scripts to screen. I'm so excited to be where change happens, and I hope to use the skills from this year to better advocate for emerging and underrepresented storytellers.”  

Image of Madeleine Ruskin photographed by James Henry. Madeleine looks confidently at the camera, smiling in a leather jacket and bright yellow top.

"Behind the scenes, on the screen and in the writers’ room, disabled and chronically ill people are underrepresented in the screen industry. I’m really looking forward to using this internship as a gateway to help make the industry more accessible and inclusive in the future.” — Madeleine Ruskin

Madeleine Ruskin is driven by her love of storytelling and determination to centre stories by and about disabled and chronically ill people on screen. She has previously worked as a Scripted Coordinator for SBS and in script development for Such Much Films. Madeleine has recently graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Masters in Creative Writing, Publishing and Editing.  

Madeleine Ruskin said, “I’m so excited for this opportunity to foster my passion for story by working within the development space and I’m grateful to be supported by workplaces who are keen to accommodate my different needs. Behind the scenes, on the screen and in the writers’ room, disabled and chronically ill people are underrepresented in the screen industry. I’m really looking forward to using this internship as a gateway to help make the industry more accessible and inclusive in the future.” 

Image of Madeleine Ruskin (left) and Gina Song (right), photographed by James Henry. Madeleine and Gina chat with each other, with Melbourne city behind them.

The Victorian Screen Development Internship is now in its third year. The first two years of the program have led to all participants forging ahead in their screen careers, whether it be working at industry leading organisations or further developing their own work in the screen industry.  VicScreen’s Games Development Internship will also return in 2022, with applications set to open in coming months. 

CEO of VicScreen, Caroline Pitcher said, “The Victorian Screen Development Internships have proven to accelerate participants careers, and we are proud to continue to see alumni take strides in the industry. Congratulations to the new recipients, we look forward to working with you to hone your talent.” 

Managing Director of Blackfella Films, Darren Dale said, “Blackfella Films has a proud history of developing new generations of Australian screen creatives. We’re excited to welcome Gina, one of this year’s incredibly talented recipients, to our company, supporting her growth as a dynamic storyteller and screen industry professional.” 

CEO of Fremantle Australia, Greg Woods said, “Fremantle is committed to fostering creatives of the future in all facets of production and we are proud to be involved in this vital and important initiative.  We have experienced first-hand the benefits with a number of past interns now working across our dramas and we are delighted to welcome Madeleine to the team.” 

General Manager Melbourne Paramount ANZ, Toni Skaife said, “Paramount is proudly dedicated to the creation of diverse local content for Australian audiences to access across our multiple platforms. We are delighted to partner with VicScreen, and to work alongside Blackfella Films and Fremantle Australia to support and develop local Victorian content creatives through this outstanding initiative. Our Paramount team is extremely excited about this opportunity and we look forward to collaborating with Gina and Madeleine.” 

For any media enquiries, contact Emma Mackenzie, VicScreen Senior Publicist at emma.mackenzie@vicscreen.vic.gov.au.