Prime Video Australia and the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) announced a new partnership, offering two life-changing scholarships to women and nonbinary applicants with intersectional backgrounds, including but not limited to gender identity, cultural identity, people with a disability, or people within the LGBTQIA+ community.
The aim of the Prime Video-funded scholarships is to improve representation in the industry by removing barriers and providing opportunities to those that can share diverse voices, stories, and lived experiences. The scholarships will assist students with the costs associated with studying at NIDA, and can be directed towards accommodation and living costs, contributions towards travel, childcare for students, and tuition fees.
Two $50,000 Prime Video Scholarships will be available for students studying Master of Fine Arts (MFA) directing and/or MFA dramatic writing courses, and $50,000 towards supporting 2024 MFA directing cohort. Prime Video will also be offering industry support and mentorship to these courses as part of the partnership.
“2023 has been a big year for Prime Video in terms of delivering Australian content to local and international customers. Building capability and skills in Australia enables us to continue to create Australian stories that resonate with a global audience,” said Hushidar Kharas, head of Prime Video Australia and New Zealand. “The international success of series like The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, produced by critically acclaimed producers Bruna Papandrea and, Jodi Matterson, as well as Deadloch, created by Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan, highlight the global opportunity that the Australian entertainment industry can tap into. We need to continue to invest in skills to ensure a pipeline of content that meets that demand. NIDA is the perfect partner for Prime Video, given their long-standing success and international renown as a creative arts education provider. We’re delighted to be coming on board and look forward to many future collaborations.”
NIDA CEO, Liz Hughes, said: “We are hugely grateful for this exciting collaboration and partnership with Prime Video. This scholarship program and support is an incredible opportunity to reach new voices and storytellers of the future who are underrepresented in the creative industries. NIDA is committed to helping build the pipeline to industry for Australians from all over the country, and enabling the most creative and talented individuals to come to NIDA. This generous support will open doors to women and non-binary creatives with diverse intersectional backgrounds. Additionally, the connection and exposure to the team from Prime Video and their production partners will offer vital pathways and opportunities for students.”
Applications to study at NIDA in 2024 are open until October 12 for MFA Directing and October 16 for MFS Writing. For further information on courses or to learn more about the Prime Video scholarships visit: https://www.nida.edu.au/study/students/scholarships
Since 2019, Prime Video has commissioned 26 Amazon Original series in Australia—The Test S1-S2, Making Their Mark, LOL: Last One Laughing Australia with Rebel Wilson, Back to the Rafters, Luxe Listings Sydney S1 – S3, award-winning, feature-length documentary Burning, Kick Like Tayla, Warriors on the Field, Class of ’07, Deadloch, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, the lifestyle special Hugh van Cuylenburg: G.E.M, along with a series of five stand-up comedy specials, Neighbours, the upcoming Five Blind Dates, Hot Potato: The Story of the Wiggles, and The Office. Prime Video is included with a Prime membership, which costs $9.99 per month or $79 per year. Prime Video is available on hundreds of compatible devices. Stream from the web or using the Prime Video app on your smartphone, tablet, set-top box, game console, or select smart TVs.
