(Sheila Jayadev from Emerald Pictures and S. Shakthidharan from CuriousWorks. Image by Huy Nguyen.)
CuriousWorks is looking for storytellers and producers for our Behind Closed Doors program.
What’s it all about?
Behind Closed Doors, run by CuriousWorks and supported by Screen Australia’s Enterprise Ideas Program, introduces fresh voices and untold stories to the screen sector. This innovative program will connect emerging and exciting storytellers in Western Sydney with some of the industry’s most experienced creative talent.
The selected participants – 8 writers and 2 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. The participants will work with CuriousWorks and the partners to devise and create a series of six, connected short films, each of around 10 minutes in duration. The anthology of short films will be developed for television and online screening, with the potential for theatrical exhibition as well.
Who’s involved
A range of screen industry organisations will provide program support via workshops and placements designed to assist with training, career development and networking for the participants.
What we need from you
Participants will need commit considerable time and energy to this program. In addition to attending two workshops in 2018 and two workshops in 2019, you will need to make time to write at least three drafts of your script.
Participants will be paid a small stipend to cover their time at workshops and a fee for their writing work. The program is suited to storytellers looking to forge a career in the screen industry and willing to clear time in their schedule to take this next leap in their career.
This program speaks to those stories not heard before, those untold stories that, until now, have remained behind closed doors.
To be considered for the program applicants must be (all of the below):
- From a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) or First Nations background
- Currently residing in Greater Western Sydney*
- Available for workshops on 5-7 July (inclusive) & 18-20 October (inclusive) 2018, with further dates to be confirmed for 2019.
*What areas are included in the Greater Western Sydney region?
The Greater Western Sydney region includes local government areas in these three sub-regions:
- North-West: City of Blacktown, City of Blue Mountains, City of Hawkesbury, City of Penrith and The Hills Shire
- South-West: Camden Council, City of Campbelltown, City of Liverpool and Wollondilly Shire
- West Central: Cumberland Council, City of Canterbury-Bankstown, City of Fairfield and City of Parramatta.
To be considered for the program writer applicants will be asked to provide:
- A summary of your creative work to date – curriculum vitae or bio (one page or less)
- A writing sample; 10-15 pages (max) for screenwriting or playwriting, or 3-pages maximum for prose / short stories or poetry.
- A personal statement which speaks to:
- your experience in writing or film making to date;
- the types of stories you want to tell and the themes that interest you (this could include your favourite films, directors or writers and what you like about them).
- You can write this statement (one page max) or record a simple piece to camera instead (3 mins max).
To be considered for the program, producer applicants will be asked to provide:
- A summary of your creative work to date – curriculum vitae or bio (one page or less)
- A personal statement which speaks to:
- your experience in producing or film making to date;
- the types of stories you want to tell and the themes that interest you (this could include your favourite films, producers or writers and what you like about them).
- You can write this statement (one page max) or record a simple piece to camera instead (3 mins max).
Actors, content creators and other creatives that are thinking of making their first steps towards writing or producing are encouraged to apply.
Send your application to behindcloseddoors@curiousworks.com.au by Friday 27 April 2018.
UPDATE: Deadline now extended to Monday 30 April 2018 at 9am.
If you recorded a piece to camera, please send us the link, and if necessary, a password to view.
