Screen NSW has unveiled the first class of its inaugural Crew Development Program, spotlighting a cohort of 85 early to mid-career screen industry practitioners given ‘intensive training’ to fill jobs within the local Australian screen industry.
Screen NSW Crew Development – quick links
Filling the below-the-line skills shortage
As outlined, the Crew Development Program – an essential part of the three-year NSW Screen & Digital Games Strategy – offered paid production placements and mentorship across six key screen departments for emerging practitioners.
Training was undertaken with the Australian Film TV and Radio School, TAFE NSW and the National Institute of Dramatic Art.
Screen NSW developed the program in response to a reported national skills shortage, with placements focused on areas in need of support, namely production accounts, location, production management, post-production supervision, costume and art.
‘The Crew Development Program was born out of a very real and urgent need for skilled crew on screen projects nationally, and a lack of representation in these below-the-line roles,’ said Kylie Munnich, Screen NSW Executive Director.
‘Through this program we have identified and supported 85 talented practitioners who will help shape the future of screen production in NSW, ensuring we remain the leading state for screen in Australia. I congratulate every recipient and look forward to seeing the valuable contributions they will make to the screen industry into the future.’
As shared by Munnich, the Crew Development Program has now supported a strong cohort of industry-trained practitioners, ready to make an impact on local production.
Screen NSW reports that of the 85 recipients of the program, around 12 will now go on to paid production placements and mentorship. The organisation has encouraged those from production companies with the capacity or need for additional trained staff to apply for paid placements as part of this program, with applications considered on a rolling basis.
Screen NSW has pledged to pay the hosting company for the salary of the trainee over a maximum of 20 weeks, to ensure impact and benefit for all parties.
Screen NSW’s screen initiatives continue at speed
The announcement of the Crew Development Program outcome arrives as part of a renewed wave of support for the local screen industry in NSW.
Recently, Screen NSW also announced the return of its Community Film Festival Opening Night Fund to support the creation of local film festivals spotlighting Australia films and documentaries. It has also announced new Short to Feature fast-track funding, and recently strengthened its support for the local games industry.
In a time of great economic and cultural uncertainty, these initiatives, alongside those developed by Australia’s leading screen organisations, remain essential to the longevity of our local screen industry.
Also on ScreenHub: Screen NSW’s Community Film Festival fund to support 26 events across the state
Screen NSW has announced the return of its Community Film Festival Opening Night Fund which will deliver $100,000 in funding for community film festivals across NSW. The fund is specifically designed to elevate opening night celebrations, allowing community members, film creators and other contributors to gather together, network, and share their successes.
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