Editor

Writers and producers keen to carve out a career in the film industry can now apply for Behind Closed Doors, a new initiative run by 

Writers and producers keen to carve out a career in the film industry can now apply for Behind Closed Doors, a new initiative run by CuriousWorks and supported by Screen Australia’s Enterprise Ideas Program, that connects emerging storytellers in Western Sydney with some of the industry’s most experienced creative talent. 

The purpose of Behind Closed Doors is to introduce fresh voices and untold stories to the screen sector. Applicants must be from a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) or First Nations background, reside in the Greater Western Sydney Region and be available for workshops on 5-7 July and 18-20 October, 2018.

The selected participants – eight writers and two producers - will be supported by a team of respected industry practitioners including CuriousWorks’ partners on the program, Sheila Jayadev and Lyn Norfor from Emerald Productions and writer and producer, Blake Ayshford.

In a series of workshops and work placements, the participants will work with CuriousWorks and partners to devise and create a series of six, connected short films. The anthology of short films will then be developed for broadcast and online screening, with the potential for theatrical exhibition as well.

CuriousWorks Executive Director Shakthi Shakthidharan said “Our aim is to nurture the talents of emerging creatives from Sydney’s most diverse region by giving them real industry experience, while also bringing fresh content made by new and creative voices, to audiences hungry for bold storytelling”

“What we’ll be looking for are applicants with originality and a creative approach that will thrive under professional nurturing. This program is about providing a platform to stories not heard before, untold stories that, until now, have remained behind closed doors,” said Shakthidharan.

Actors, content creators and other creatives thinking of making their first steps towards writing or producing are also encouraged to apply.

The application process is simple and asks for a summary of creative work to date and a personal statement that’s either a one page written statement or a three minute recorded piece to camera.

Applications are open until Friday 27 April, 2018. Visit www.curiousworks.com.au for details on how to apply.