Vicscreen joins forces with industry leaders to fast-track screen careers

2021 Victorian Screen Development Interns, Ravi Chand and AP Pobjoy. Photography by Kim Landy.

VICSCREEN JOINS FORCES WITH LEADING INDUSTRY ORGANISATIONS TO FAST-TRACK SCREEN CAREERS 

VicScreen is partnering with Paramount Australia and New Zealand, Blackfella Films, and Fremantle Australia to support diverse early-career screen creatives to fast-track their careers with the return of the 12-month Victorian Screen Development Internships. 

The two paid internships are designed to overcome traditional barriers to entering the screen industry. Whether it’s sitting in on a writers’ room or assessing scripts, the program will focus on developing work experience in all aspects of Australian film and television production environments, such as commissioning and funding, as well as honing content creation skills. 

Designed to create pathways into the screen industry for diverse Victorian storytellers, the program is open to creatives from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Peoples of Australia, and people who are gender diverse or living with a disability. 

Minister for Creative Industries, Danny Pearson said, “The Victorian Government is delivering a thriving screen sector by supporting our best and brightest up-and-coming screen creatives, providing them with the industry experience and contacts they need to kick-start their careers.” 

“Part of our $191.5 million VicScreen strategy, this program not only grows our screen workforce and talent pool, but it provides crucial opportunities for young professionals from diverse backgrounds. In this way, the strategy ensures the diversity of our communities is represented in the industry workforce and in the content they produce.” 

CEO of VicScreen, Caroline Pitcher said, “It’s great to see the Victorian Screen Development Internships return for the third year with the support of Fremantle Australia, Blackfella Films and Paramount Australia and New Zealand. The program has been incredibly successful in fostering and accelerating our diverse local talent, and I look forward to following the careers of our alumni as they continue to make strides as future industry leaders.” 

Managing Director of Blackfella Films, Darren Dale said, “Blackfella Films is thrilled to partner with Vicscreen on an initiative that delivers such successful outcomes for early career-creatives. As makers of purpose-led content, we’re excited to support bold and audacious storytellers to gain experience, hone their skills and leap forward in their careers.” 

CEO of Fremantle Australia, Greg Woods said, “Fremantle is very proud to partner with Vicscreen on this vital and important initiative to foster creatives of the future.  It’s a rewarding experience for all the team involved in the program, we all grow from collaboration, and we look forward to welcoming the interns to the company.” 

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 closely with Blackfella Films and Fremantle 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 the interns.”  

The internships will kick-off in the second half of the year, each consisting of four-month rotations across participating organisations. VicScreen’s Games Development Internship will also return in 2022, with applications to open later in the year. 

Alumni AP Pobjoy, Nikki Tran and Davey Thompson will be hosting a live webinar and Q&A, discussing their internship experiences, where it has led them in their careers, and offering advice to creators who are interested in applying. The webinar will take place on Thursday 14 April at 12:00pm. Register here.

Applications for the Victorian Screen Development Internships are now open and close Monday 2 May 2022. To find out more, visit VicScreen's Skills Development page.