The National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) is partnering with SBS and NITV to provide practical pathways for emerging creatives into the screen sector.
NIDA Pathways with SBS and NITV is a three-year collaboration offering students industry experience, expertise, and opportunities while supporting historically under-represented creatives.
Activities include an annual creative pitch workshop run by the SBS Scripted and NITV teams, culminating in one student receiving the opportunity to spend time in an SBS writers’ room; a First Nations production placement program, allowing First Nations NIDA students to work on SBS and NITV productions; an annual industry talk presented by SBS and NITV, covering essential topics such as crafting effective pitches, leveraging your degree in the industry and understanding what makes content appealing to international audiences; and speed networking sessions to connect emerging talent with industry professionals.
SBS head of scripted, Nakul Legha, said the partnership reflected the broadcaster’s commitment to elevating and developing the next generation of new voices for Australia’s screen sector.
“Getting a foot into the screen industry can be tough for emerging creatives,” he said.
“SBS is incredibly proud to launch the NIDA Pathways partnership, which creates structured programs to develop practical skills and offers a meaningful entry point into the industry for NIDA students, particularly those from under-represented backgrounds.
“We look forward to working with NIDA and NITV to keep putting this commitment into action.”
NITV head of commissioning and production Dena Curtis said her organisation was proud to support the development of emerging First Nations talent, given “they are the future of First Nations storytelling”.
“Being able to directly connect First Nations students with industry experts gives them the opportunity to explore, learn, and build on their skillset and gain real-world production experience in a culturally safe environment,” she said.
For NIDA CEO, Liz Hughes, the partnership was “a powerful step towards creating a more inclusive and representative screen industry”.
“NIDA is a place where stories grow for emerging creative practitioners involved in all aspects of production,” she said.
“SBS, uniquely renowned for celebrating Australian stories from all communities, is the ideal partner as this project is a great opportunity to create a pathway for people in the early stages of their career.”