Niki Aken (far right) on the set of Lingo Pictures’ ‘Upright’.
Two NSW-based emerging producers from diverse backgrounds will have the chance to undertake a six-month, paid industry internship next year, thanks to the Screen NSW Emerging Producer Placement program.
Applications are now open for the tenth year of the initiative, which aims to uncover emerging producer talent and match it with NSW production companies best suited to hone their skillset and creative form.
This year one Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander candidate and one candidate from an under-represented group will be selected to spend three months working with the Screen NSW investment team, headed by Grainne Brunsdon, followed by three months in industry. Participants will also have the opportunity to attend key industry events as part of their internship.
“We know that the talent is out there, but practitioners from under-represented groups often struggle to access the opportunities they need to break through. That’s what we strive to change with this initiative, which delivers an incredible chance to learn from some of the best production companies in the State and develop new industry networks,” said Brunsdon.
Marlikka Perdrisat on set of her untitled documentary production with DOP Matthew Adekponya. (Photo: Sam Cater)“Most recently our participants have gained some amazing experience in industry, including Marlikka Perdrisat, who worked with Greer Simpkin and David Jowsey’s Bunya Productions team on Mystery Road series 2, and Niki Aken, who worked with Helen Bowden and the Lingo Pictures team on the Foxtel-commissioned comedy-drama Upright.”
Simpkin and Jowsey csaid: “It was a delight to have Marlikka work with us on Mystery Road 2. The Emerging Producer Placement is a great initiative that we would wholeheartedly recommend to emerging producers from diverse backgrounds.”
Helen Bowden said: “The Emerging Producer Placement initiative both connected Lingo to a fantastic talent and gave Niki the opportunity to further diversify her skill set. Upon completion of this attachment, we were thrilled to bring Niki onto Upright as the Script Producer. This program offers its recipients tangible benefits that can have a significant impact on their career trajectory.”
Applications are now open and close November 8.
For guidelines and applications, visit the Screen NSW website.