Talent LA 2017 delegation (Photo credit: Australians in Film).
Screen Australia and the Australian Writers’ Guild are supporting up to 10 Australian directors and/or screenwriters to take part in Talent LA this September.
Returning for a second year, Talent LA is a week-long program of targeted and curated meetings, workshops and networking opportunities.
The delegation will be led by Nerida Moore, Screen Australia’s senior development executive, Harry Avramidis, the agency’s manager, international, and Susie Hamilton, the AWG’s professional development manager.
The call-out is for directors/screenwriters who can demonstrate recent international audience traction from an online series, TV series, short films and/or low-budget features selected or awarded at A-list festivals.
Screenwriters who have been a recipient of a significant international screenwriting award such as Black List, PAGE or Academy Nicholl fellowship or who are part of the AWG’s Pathways Program are also encouraged to apply.
Creatives with slates suited to the US market and with one or more market-ready long-form TV series at an advanced stage of development will be prioritised. Screen content-makers representative of the diversity of Australia are also encouraged to apply.
“Talent LA was an incredible experience, both creatively and professionally,” said Sarah Bishop, writer, director, and producer who is one third of the comedy trio Skit Box, who attended Talent LA in 2017.
“I heard from some amazing storytelling minds including A-List writers and directors, and had access to some of the top studio and network executives, with whom I am continuing to talk about Australian and international projects. It was an absolute game changer in terms of my professional development and I made some great connections with my fellow alumni in the process.”
Successful applicants are eligible for a grant of up to $3,000 to go toward their travel costs. In addition, seven nights’ accommodation in West Hollywood will be provided to all Talent LA participants.
Applicants must be available to be in LA from September 16-21. A complete schedule of the program will be provided later to the successful applicants, who will be encouraged to consider staying longer in LA to capitalise on introductions and opportunities.
The deadline is 5pm on Friday 22 June. For more information, including how to apply go to the guidelines.