by FilmInk Staff
Screenworks opens applications for 2027 Career Pathway Programs for regional NSW writers, directors, producers and games practitioners.
Screenworks has launched its 2027 Career Pathway Programs with the support of Screen NSW, with four pathways giving early-career writers, directors, producers and games practitioners from regional NSW the opportunity to develop their craft, build industry connections and access targeted support to move their careers forward.
The Career Pathway Programs have been helping regional creatives thrive for more than a decade, and applications are now open for the 2027 Inside the Writers’ Room, Director Pathway, Regional Producer Elevator and Digital Games Pathway programs, as supported by the Australian Writers’ Guild, Australian Directors’ Guild, Screen Producers Australia, the Interactive Games & Entertainment Association, Werner Film Productions, Lingo Pictures and Ludo Studio.
In 2027, the Director Pathway and Regional Producer Elevator programs also offer increased support, with each participant now receiving $4,000 in professional development funding plus $1,500 in travel support, up from $3,500 in 2026.
Selected participants will grow their skills, expand their networks and take practical steps towards their career goals, while building the pipeline of screen and games talent in regional Australia.
Lisa Rose, CEO of Screenworks said, “Talent is everywhere in regional NSW. What’s often missing is access. The Career Pathway Programs open doors, and we’ve watched past participants walk through them into real screen careers.
“Across all four pathways, the focus is on practical support. Participants set their own goals, and the programs give them the funding, connections and guidance to act on them. This year we’ve also increased the support available to our directors and producers, so they can go further with their career plans.”
Inside the Writers’ Room gives three early-career screenwriters from regional NSW the chance to find out what really happens in a professional television writers’ room. Through an in-person placement with one of Screenworks’ industry partners, Werner Film Productions, Lingo Pictures and Ludo Studio, participants will watch working writers develop, shape and bring stories to life, and get a first-hand look at what it takes to build a career as a screenwriter. Delivered with the support of the Australian Writers’ Guild, the program covers flights, accommodation and per diems for a three to five day placement, plus a complimentary 12-month AWG associate membership and one-on-one career advice from the guild.
Director Pathway, in partnership with the Australian Directors’ Guild, puts two early-career directors from regional NSW in charge of their next career move. Whether it’s sharpening their craft, expanding their network or taking on bigger projects, participants receive $4,000 in professional development support and $1,500 in travel support to back their 12-month plan, plus a 12 month ADG associate 1 membership, a one-on-one ADG consultation and registration to Screenworks’ Regional to Global Screen Forum.
Regional Producer Elevator, in partnership with Screen Producers Australia, helps two early-career producers from regional NSW move forward with purpose. Whether it’s building industry confidence, finding new collaborators or progressing a project, participants receive $4,000 in professional development support and $1,500 in travel support to back their 12-month plan. They also receive a complimentary SPA Associate membership, registration to Screenworks’ Regional to Global Screen Forum and mentoring support at Screen Forever.
Whether they’re developing games, creating art, writing narratives, or working in production or audio, Digital Games Pathway is designed to help one emerging games practitioner from regional NSW take their next career step. Delivered in partnership with the Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (IGEA), it offers $2,000 in professional development support, $1,500 in travel support and a complimentary one-year IGEA membership, plus the opportunity to apply for IGEA’s mentoring program.
Independent selection panels with representatives from Screenworks’ program partners, industry bodies and guilds will assess the applications for each program. Applicants must be current Screenworks members who have lived in regional NSW for at least six months. Screenworks encourages applications from people from diverse backgrounds who may not otherwise have the opportunity to access work opportunities.
Applications close 10:00am (AEDT) Tuesday 1 December 2026. Full program details, eligibility criteria and application information for each pathway are available at screenworks.com.au:
• Inside the Writers’ Room
• Director Pathway
• Regional Producer Elevator
• Digital Games Pathway
Screenworks’ Career Pathway Programs are supported by Screen NSW, Australian Writers’ Guild, Australian Directors’ Guild, Screen Producers Australia, the Interactive Games & Entertainment Association, Werner Film Productions, Lingo Pictures and Ludo Studio.
ABOUT SCREENWORKS
Screenworks is a national, member-based not-for-profit organisation supporting screen creatives and crew in regional, rural and remote Australia. Since 2000, Screenworks has delivered skills, career and project advancement programs that build a diverse, thriving and sustainable regional screen industry.
