BBC Studios has today announced the first cohort of the inaugural Creator Lab Australia, a program designed to help online creators develop their ideas into the ‘next generation of IP, formats and franchises.’
With support from SBS and Screen NSW, and delivered in partnership with Changer Studios and BBC Studios TalentWorks, the program is focussed on the future of entertainment and how online creators may develop new projects with a direct-to-audience approach that leans into virality and the flexibility of online media.
Creators have taken part in intensive labs to grow their storytelling skills, and to learn more about the development of IP backed by the experience and tenure of BBC Studios.
BBC Studios’ Creator Lab Australia launches – quick links
The first cohort of BBC Studios’ Creator Lab Australia
As shared, the Australian creators selected to take part in the first Creator Lab Australia program include:
- Bridget Thomson (Bridgy Didge – Wildlife Educator)
- Dario Nadile
- Dylan Bray (Ozzie – Educational Videos For Kids)
- Ella Watkins
- Jack Ovens (Chef Jack Ovens)
- Jamie Perkins
- Jay Harwood (Bucket List Travellers)
- Jordan Pena (Bench Chicken)
- Lee Constable (Constababble)
- Maddie Massy
- Mary McGillivray
- Ming Dao Ting (Tingman)
- Dr Naomi Koh Belic
- Saksham Sharma (Saksham Magic)
- Thomas Ashton (Thomas Ashton Documentaries)
- Tilly Oddy-Black
- Toby Hendy (Tibees)
- Granny Flat Comedy
All recently took part in a series of hands-on sessions and workshops designed to ‘equip them with the additional tools, skills and industry connections to build sustainable careers.’
These sessions and workshops provided practical insight into how to scale online channels, what to expect of the media commissioning landscape, and how to build meaningful industry connections to bolster their ideas.
Expertise was provided by an array industry figures, including Georgia Mappin, Managing Director of Haven’t You Done Well Productions (Aunty Donna), Matt Mapps, Showrunner of Beast Games, Mads Brown, COO of Spawnpoint Media (EYstreem, Milo & Chip), Joe van Vugt, Assistant Digital Producer at Ludo Studio (Bluey) and Christiaan Van Vuuren, Co-Director of Bondi Hispters and Director of BBC Studios Australia Productions’ Ghosts and The Office Australia.
From here, an array of selected creators will progress to one-on-one mentoring sessions and further specialist workshops to help them develop their latest ideas and boost skills in content development, audience engagement, multi-platform growth and building ‘globally-relevant IP.’
BBC Studios, Screen NSW and more on the intentionality of the program
As shared by Kylie Washington, EVP and Creative Director BBC Studios Australia Productions, there are high hopes for the impact of this program and how it may lead to the growth of new Australian IP.
‘With the program now officially underway, it’s great to be collaborating with such an impressive calibre of creators, program partners and industry experts as we collectively look to unlock the next generation of Australian brands and IP,’ Washington says.
‘As a dedicated home for creator relationships, Creator Lab builds on the evolving landscape of content creation and recognises the increasingly important role our creators play in shaping its future, so we’re proud to be bringing together creators, IP and industry expertise in a way that helps influence the next generation of Australian storytelling.’
As Helen O’Donnell, VP Content and Creators BBC Studios Digital Division says, great ideas ‘can come from anywhere.’ The aim of the Creator Lab, per O’Donnell, is to create the best possible circumstances for good ideas to flourish.
Kylie Munnich, Executive Director of Screen NSW expressed similar enthusiasm for the project and how it may serve local online creators in their ambitions.
‘This initiative reflects our commitment to support the development of screen industry talent across all pathways into the sector,’ Munnich says.
‘NSW is home to a wealth of creative talent and programs like this provide creators with the skills, mentorship and connections to build sustainable careers in the screen industry.’
We look forward to seeing what comes next from each participant in BBC Studios’ first Creator Lab Australia.
