by FilmInk Staff
The Mercury is proud to announce a new screen initiative supported by The James and Diana Ramsay Foundation (JDRF).
The Mercury will deliver a 12-month screen industry development program for young and aspiring filmmakers, providing a tailored pathway focussed on screen industry connections alongside access to our extensive industry development programming, industry networks, vibrant film and special events program via an included Mercury Subscription.
Designed specifically to support young and aspiring filmmakers, the pathway has been conceived to support practitioners across ages 16 – 25, connecting with young people at this critical time when they are exploring what career paths lie ahead of them, considering postsecondary educational opportunities, navigating tertiary studies and starting their career.
Sarah Lancaster CEO of The Mercury said: “The future of screen storytelling in South Australia lies in the creativity of our young people. Through the Youth Pathway Program, The Mercury is opening doors to industry networks, screen culture, and real-world opportunities—right here at home. With the support of the James and Diana Ramsay Foundation, we’re inviting the next generation of filmmakers to ignite their spark and shape the stories that will define our future.”
Richard Jasek, Board Director of The James and Diana Ramsay Foundation (JDRF) said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to be able to support the Mercury’s Youth Pathway program. I became addicted to filmmaking aged 12 and wish programs like this had been available then to add wind under my wings. With the benefit of this program, I can’t wait to see the next generations of young filmmakers catch their own updrafts and soar.”
Key Deadlines
Applications open at 10.00am Friday 7 November 2025 and will close on Friday 19 December 2025 at 5:00pm. Successful applicants will be announced in early February 2026.
More information including deadlines and EOI can be found on the Mercury website
ABOUT THE MERCURY
The Mercury has a legacy spanning 50 years as a member-based centre for screen culture in the heart of Adelaide’s West End. Proudly South Australian, The Mercury is a not-for-profit organisation that operates the independent Mercury Cinema and, utilising funding from the South Australian Film Corporation, provides pathways for emerging filmmakers starting their professional screen industry career.
The Mercury’s subscription model at $25/month or $300/year offers unlimited screenings to Silverscreen and Adelaide Cinematheque programs, free entry to the Script Club, Launch Lab, all industry programs, complimentary use of all production facilities and equipment, one-on one script consultations, industry mentoring, ability to apply to the Quicksilver Production Fund and Hamilton Health and Safety Fund plus a discounted venue hire and South Australian Screen Award submission fees. With alumni including Emmy award winners, Oscar nominees, a Cannes Special Jury Prize winner and the Best Director winner at Sundance Film Festival, our passion for quality is undeniable. The Mercury also boasts two cinemas – a 186 seat Mercury cinema, and the 36 seat Iris – both of which offer a comprehensive film program of contemporary, classic and cult favourites
films. Centrally located, The Mercury neighbours the Jam Factory, Nexus Arts, The Lion Arts Factory, ILA, UniSA West Campus, TAFE SA, AC Arts & the Flinders University Festival Plaza
ABOUT THE JAMES AND DIANA RAMSAY FOUNDATION
The James and Diana Ramsay Foundation was launched in 2009 by Diana Ramsay AO, ensuring that the generosity of the Ramsays’ would impact and benefit many generations to come. To date, the Foundation has supported over 80 organisations to deliver projects in South Australia across their focus areas of arts, health and youth.
