BBC Studios has today announced the 18 YouTube creators selected for Creator Lab Australia, an initiative designed to reflect the growing role of Australian creators in shaping the future of media – marrying creator originality and audience with BBC Studios’ scale and craft to grow enduring brands and turn ambitious ideas into the next generation of IP, formats and franchises. The program is supported by SBS and Screen NSW, and delivered in partnership with Changer Studios and BBC Studios TalentWorks.

Creator Lab Australia launched in Sydney this week, where participants took part in hands-on sessions and workshops designed to equip them with the additional tools, skills and industry connections to build sustainable careers. It included sessions from industry experts such as Managing Director of Haven’t You Done Well Productions Georgia Mappin (Aunty Donna, Grouse House), Showrunner of Beast Games Matt Apps, COO of Spawnpoint Media Mads Brown (EYstreem, Milo & Chip), Assistant Digital Producer at Ludo Studio (Bluey) Joe van Vugt, and Christiaan Van Vuuren, Co-Director of Bondi Hipsters and Director of BBC Studios Australia Productions’ Ghosts and The Office Australia.

Throughout the week, creators collaborated with commissioners and high calibre industry thought-leaders who are actively changing the conversation around where Australian storytelling is going. At the intersection of digital creativity and traditional media, Creator Lab offers practical insight to scale channels, navigate the commissioning landscape and build meaningful connections, helping turn bold ideas into enduring creator brands and Australian stories that resonate beyond the screen.

Kylie Washington, EVP & Creative Director BBC Studios Australia Productions said, “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. 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.”

Helen O’Donnell, VP Content & Creators BBC Studios Digital Division said, “At TalentWorks, we know great ideas can come from anywhere, and programs like Creator Lab Australia reinforce our commitment to supporting new voices and developing the media landscape. The program is an opportunity to connect the creativity, authenticity and audience connection that these Australian creators bring with the storytelling expertise, development capability and global reach of BBC Studios, and create meaningful partnerships to take ambitious ideas further.”

Kathryn Fink, Director of Television SBS said, “We’re delighted to support Creator Lab Australia and to see such a diverse range of creators represented in this talented cohort. For SBS, it’s an opportunity to support new voices, connect with creators who are building communities and engaging audiences and to explore different forms of storytelling.”

Kylie Munnich, Executive Director Screen NSW said, “Screen NSW is pleased to support Creator Lab, delivered by BBC Studios in partnership with Changer Studios, and with support from SBS. This initiative reflects our commitment to support the development of screen industry talent across all pathways into the sector. 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.”

Georgia Mappin, Managing Director of Haven’t You Done Well Productions said, “Creators today are already building global audiences, brands and IP with genuine cultural and commercial value. For me, the really exciting opportunity is what happens when you combine all of that with the development expertise, craft and infrastructure of the traditional screen industry. Creator Lab Australia recognises that these are complementary skill sets, not separate worlds, and creates the relationships needed to build the next generation of Australian content businesses. I’m incredibly excited to see what this cohort makes.”

Australian Creators selected:

From here, a number of these creators will be selected to engage in one-on-one mentoring and further specialist workshops focused on content development, audience engagement, multi-platform growth and building globally relevant IP.
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