Australians in Film and Screen Australia have partnered to create a new eight-month program, Future Vision Forward, which will connect local TV writers, producers and creatives with international executives and buyers, with the goal of developing globally competitive and original IP for TV.
Eight original television projects and their teams will be selected by an international committee of commission and buying executives. Per organisers, these selection decisions will be made on the basis of ‘creative excellence and potential to resonate with global audiences’.
Selected creatives will subsequently take part in an online development lab, receiving mentorship and support, industry guidance, and a ‘clear pathway’ through project development to a ‘polished, market-ready pitch’.
Future Vision Forward – quick links
The experts leading Future Vision Forward
The Future Vision Forward program will be led by David Levine, television executive and Chief Creative Officer of Anonymous Content (Boy Swallows Universe, True Detective, 13 Reasons Why).
‘Having participated in the inaugural Future Vision in 2024, I loved being part of the exceptional Australian creative community and it’s only grown my appetite for meaningful creative exchange,’ Levine said.
‘Being able to participate and support Future Vision Forward is a real honour and I can’t wait to develop the deeply authentic Australian creators who will join us in this inaugural lab. We all have the remarkable capacity to create series that resonate well beyond our own borders and I deeply appreciate Australians in Film and Screen Australia for the opportunity to put my innate curiosity into practice.’
Levine will be joined by a panel of leading industry figures across the program, including:
- BAFTA-winning writer Tony McNamara (The Great, The Favourite and Poor Thing)
- Writer Anchuli Felicia King (The Twelve, The Sympathizer and The Baby)
- DGA-winning, BAFTA-nominated director Shannon Murphy (Dying for Sex and Killing Eve)
The Future Vision Forward program
As part of Future Vision Forward, these four creatives will contribute to various industry panels, providing guidance inspired by their expertise and experiences within the global film industry.
As shared by Australians in Film and Screen Australia, the program has been tailored around findings from the recent Future Vision conference, as a ‘strategic response’ to the challenge of elevating Australian creatives on the global stage.
The tailored program offers a combination of craft workshops, leadership training, mentorship and industry engagement, with the aim of providing Australian creatives with the tools to succeed internationally.
Organisers say the overarching goal is to equip writers, producers and development executives with ‘the skills required to not only create compelling series but to lead them creatively and strategically’.
Pairing understanding of the Australian television model with international development principles, the Future Vision Forward program is an attempt to bridge a knowledge gap, and better align creatives with current practices overseas.
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Supporting Australian stories
Peter Ritchie, Executive Director of Australians in Film, said: ‘Over the past two years, Future Vision has connected Australian creatives with some of the world’s leading television creators, inspiring bold new ideas and globally relevant Australian stories. Future Vision Forward is the natural evolution of that mission.
‘The conversations sparked through Future Vision highlighted the need for ongoing creative development and strategic support to help great ideas become market-ready projects. By evolving into an innovative online initiative, we’re able to provide writers, creators and producers with greater access to world-class mentors and industry expertise, wherever they are.’
Screen Australia Head of International & Industry Partnerships Harry Avramidis shared a similar enthusiasm.
‘Future Vision Forward represents an exciting new pathway in Australia’s scripted development ecosystem. By connecting Australian creatives with world-class international expertise at an early stage, the program provides a focused, project-driven environment where projects can be challenged, refined and positioned for global success,’ Avramidis said.
‘Through fostering creative collaboration and strengthening international partnerships, Future Vision Forward elevates Australian stories to travel further while showcasing the depth, diversity and originality of our Australian screen talent to audiences around the world.’
