Screen Producers Australia announced today that applications are now open for the Ones To Watch program for 2014.
Ones to Watch connects successful participants with a leading screen industry mentor and provides unparalleled career opportunities, including the exclusive chance to participate in STUDIO Kickstart, a TV pitching competition with a budget of up to $300,000.
Now in its second year, Ones To Watch selectively matches talented, next generation producers across all platforms from around Australia with an accomplished mentor in the screen production industry. The successful Ones to Watch participants are given one-on-one guidance and direction by their mentor on developing their projects, increasing their professional networks and preparing pitches in the lead up to and during the SCREEN FOREVER Conference. At the Conference, participants are given the opportunity to connect with screen industry executives through a bespoke schedule of meetings.
Last year’s mentors included representatives from December Media, Sticky Pictures, Endemol, Matchbox Pictures, Essential Media and Entertainment, Jungleboys and Goalpost Pictures.
“We received 168 applications in the first Ones To Watch program last year and matched eighteen successful mentees with an appropriately suited industry mentor”, said Matthew Deaner, Executive Director, Screen Producers Australia. “The selection process was challenging as the standard of applications was extremely high. We’re excited about what to expect in 2014.”
Ones To Watch participants also have the exclusive opportunity to participate in STUDIO Kickstart, a pitching competition sponsored by STUDIO, Foxtel’s arts and entertainment channel, where the winner has a budget of up to $300,000 to develop their original TV series concept.
More information on Ones To Watch 2014 can be made found at screenproducersaustralia.org.au/events/ones-to-watch/. Applications close 12 June 2014.
A $75 processing and administrative fee applies to all applications. For more information contact Screen Producers Australia:
tessa.crozier@screenproducers.org.au.
ABOUT LAST YEAR’S ONES TO WATCH PROGRAM
2013 Winner – STUDIO Kickstart: Lisa Shaunessy
Lisa teamed up with Melbourne-based producer Richard Kelly and is currently in development on her series on the phenomenon of ‘The Hipster’ culture with shooting expected to commence in July.
2013 Winner – Screen Producers Australia/Screen Australia Internship: Lara Radulovich
Lara has secured a placement in London with KUDOS, one of the world’s leading television production companies, and will be participating in development and company strategy meetings, assisting on set and working closely with key members of the KUDOS team.
What did last year’s participants think?
“It has been a brilliant experience, and it has connected me with industry leaders, of whom I wouldn't have had the opportunity to rub shoulders with. I also have made some strong connections with other Ones to Watch participants, and know these merging relationships will benefit my career for years to come.” Pennie Brown, Associate Producer Wentworth – FremantleMedia Australia
“The mentor program and the profile you'll receive prior to and at the Conference are just two of the many, many reasons why you should apply for Ones To Watch if you're serious about being a producer.” Dan Lake, Freshwater Pictures
2013 Mentors
Donna Andrews, Sticky Pictures; Amanda Higgs, Jahm Productions; Jen Peedom, Jungleboys; Tony Wright, December Media; Lucy Maclaren, Renegade Films; Janelle Landers, WBMC; David Lightfoot, UltraFilms; Jennifer Wilson, The Project Factory; David Redman, Redman Entertainments; Janeen Faithfull, Endemol; Debbie Lee, Matchbox Pictures; Kylie du Fresne, Goalpost Pictures; Nicole Minchin, High Wire Films; Joanna Werner, Werner Film Productions; Ian Collie, Essential Media and Entertainment; Sue Taylor, Taylor Media; Kate Croser, Hedone Productions and Antony I. Ginnane, IFM Films.
2013 Mentees
Pennie Brown, Kylie Bryant, Brian Cobb, Julian V Costanzo, Jo Dyer, Ester Harding, Mike Kang, Tenille Kennedy, Dan Lake, Juliet Lamont, Greg Logan, Emma Morris, Kate Pappas, Lara Radulovich, Behren Schulz, Lisa Shaunessy, Kristen Souvlis and Christine Williams.