Screen Queensland is calling for applications for the inaugural Greg Coote Scholarship – an opportunity for an experienced writer, producer, director or creative executive to spend a minimum of 6-8 weeks in a US TV series writers’ room.
The scholarship will be awarded to an individual with experience and success in creating drama for the screen and a demonstrable passion for creating TV drama.
It is an opportunity for a Queensland creative to learn and capitalise from the prestige and quality of US TV drama as part of Screen Queensland’s strategy to develop the state’s pool of talent in television and long-form drama.
The Greg Coote Scholarship – established by Screen Queensland and Australians In Film – honours the work of one of Australia’s most prolific industry figures and continues his extraordinary legacy of opening doors for Australian talent in the global screen industry.
Launched by Hugh Jackman in 2014, it will be awarded in its inaugural year to a writer, producer, director or creative executive with a successful record in creating drama for the screen, a passion for creating television drama, and a desire to learn from the best in the business.
Worth approximately $30,000 (AUD), it will fund the costs of the placement including travel and visas and provide a small weekly wage to the recipient.
The placement must be taken up within the 12 months after the scholarship is awarded. It will take an estimated three months to obtain the necessary US visa.
"As an industry guild here in LA, Australians in Film’s mission is to bridge the US and Australian entertainment industries with initiatives like these. AiF has grown considerably over the past few years and we are focusing more on career development and education, in addition to our extensive screening programs. We are excited to be partnering with Screen Queensland to provide this invaluable experience to a Queensland writer to get first-hand experience of the inner workings of a US writer’s room," said Simonne Overend, President of Australians in Film.
Key dates
Applications open: Wednesday July 15
Applications close: Monday August 3
Shortlisted applicants notified: Thursday August 13
Shortlist interviews: Monday August 17 and Tuesday August 18
Scholarship awarded: Wednesday August 19
Scholarship placement: TBC
Who can apply?
• The Greg Coote Scholarship is open to experienced bona fide Queensland writers, producers, directors or creative executives.
• Applicants must demonstrate professional credits or a demonstrable body of work on long-form drama for the screen.
What do I need to provide in order to apply?
All applications must include:
A full curriculum vitae, a statement outlining your suitability for the Scholarship (this should address the assessment criteria), a writing sample (up to 30 pages), director’s reel, or producer’s show reel as appropriate.
How will my application be assessed?
All applications will be assessed on the following criteria:
The track record of the applicant
The quality of the submitted work (writing sample, director’s reel, producer’s show reel)
The benefit to the applicant, and their career
The potential benefit to the Queensland screen industry
How do I apply?
You can apply online at https://screenqueensland.smartygrants.com.au/