Amongst the exciting opportunities the program offers, SPA proudly celebrates the return of the $20,000 Ones To Watch Screen Internship Grant supported by Screen Australia.

Ones To Watch is SPA’s much-loved professional development and mentoring program for early-career screen producers looking to accelerate their careers in Australia’s bold and unique screen sector.

Over the course of six months, participants are profiled to the industry and matched with established Australian producers from within the SPA membership for 1-on-1 mentoring. They will also be granted exclusive access to a series of webinars and countless industry opportunities to develop their creative slate and business acumen in the lead-up to SCREEN FOREVER.

“Now operating for over a decade, our Ones To Watch program has gone from strength to strength, continuing to foster the growth and development of some of Australia’s most exciting emerging producers. The program continues to provide a valuable steppingstone for up-and-coming screen practitioners, delivering immeasurable opportunities to develop industry connections, further career progression, networking, and all-important mentorship, creating immediate value and long-lasting business relationships.,” said SPA CEO Matthew Deaner.

Since the first iteration of Ones To Watch in 2013, past participants have gone on to make waves both locally and internationally. Most recently, Rachel Higgins (2019) produced Ivan Sen’s latest feature film, Limbo starring Simon Baker and Bethany Bruce (2022) secured financing for her first feature production during her time as a Ones To Watch program participant.

Hanna Ngo (2021) and Liam Heyen (2021) were producers on Latecomers, which premiered on SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand last year as part of SBS, NITV and Screen Australia’s Digital Originals initiative. Liam is also a producer for the upcoming SBS anthology series, Erotic Stories. Joshua Longhurst (2020) is a development executive at See-Saw Australia / I Am That, working alongside Emile Sherman, and Jessica Carrera (2018) started Dollhouse Pictures alongside a female-driven team including AACTA Award-winning actress Rose Byrne.

“Once again, SPA welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with Screen Australia in 2023 to help facilitate an important internship opportunity that will undoubtedly deliver priceless opportunities,” said Mr. Deaner.

Screen Australia’s CEO Graeme Mason said, “The Ones To Watch program has been supporting and accelerating the careers of Australian early-career producers for the last 10 years, and in doing so has unearthed a talented and diverse generation of filmmakers. I encourage anyone who is ready to take the next step in their career to apply to this unique development opportunity.”

The Ones To Watch 2023 cohort will have the exciting opportunity to apply for the Ones To Watch Screen Internship Grant and secure placement with a production company anywhere in the world to the value of AU$20,000. It has been a highly sought-after part of the Ones To Watch program since 2013, with previous recipients including Emma Roberts (2022), Jessica Magro (2021), Ljudan Michaelis-Thorpe (2020) and Rachel Higgins (2019).

Applications are now open and close 11.59pm AEST on Wednesday 23 August 2023.

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