by FilmInk Staff

Through a partnership with the Australian Writers’ Guild and the eight state and territory Screen Agencies, the program invites emerging women and non-binary writers to apply for a unique mentoring experience in developing their story for screen.

To celebrate the upcoming release of My Brilliant Career and the legacy of pioneering author Miles Franklin, Netflix ANZ, in partnership with the Australian Writers’ Guild and Australia’s eight State and Territory Screen Agencies, is today launching ‘The Next Brilliant Career’.

The initiative invites emerging Australian writers who identify as women or non-binary to submit original, authentically-Australian scripted concepts for the chance to receive invaluable feedback directly from Netflix in developing their story for screen.

Following application and eligibility check via the state Screen Agencies dedicated online portals, an independent Australian Writers’ Guild panel will shortlist applications. One finalist from each state and territory will then be invited to pitch their concept live at Netflix ANZ headquarters in Sydney in October, and will receive direct feedback from Netflix in developing their story for screen.

Eligibility 

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Be emerging writers, defined as holding 1-3 reportable writer credits on a commercially released short film, film or television series productions longer than 10 minutes, that has screened at a recognised film festival and/or been supported by a state or federal screen agency
  • Not be a full-time student
  • Be an Australian resident
  • Be aged 18 or over
  • Identify as a woman or non-binary
  • Be available to attend a pitch day in Sydney on 6 October 2026

Submissions

Applications open today 4 August 2026 at 00.01 and close 18 August 2026 23.59.

Submissions must include scripted stories that are authentically Australian, and include a brief professional biography, working title, logline, intended audience description, genre, an explanation of the work’s cultural relevance and personal connection, a one-page synopsis and a five-page writing sample.

Writers retain full ownership of their original work throughout the Program. Participation does not transfer any rights in a submitted story to Netflix, the Australian Writers’ Guild or any Screen Agency. Selection as a Program participant does not guarantee that Netflix will develop a participant’s story, or provide funding or ongoing support beyond the Program.

To enter, applicants should head to:

The judging process

Applications will be assessed on the strength and distinctiveness of the writer’s voice, the clarity and compelling nature of the central premise, and whether the narrative demonstrates potential to sustain a series or feature format.

Judges will look for a strong command of genre, an awareness of the current screen marketplace, and work that is demonstrably and authentically Australian.

Amanda Duthie, Netflix ANZ Content Director said: “Miles Franklin spent her career fighting for the right to tell her own story on her own terms. ‘The Next Brilliant Career’ is built on that same conviction. Australia has no shortage of extraordinary women writers; we’ve designed this program to welcome the next generation of bold Australian voices telling stories that resonate here and around the world.”

Claire Pullen, Executive Director of the Australian Writers’ Guild said: “We are proud to partner with Netflix ANZ on ‘The Next Brilliant Career.’ This valuable initiative aligns with our shared mission to foster diverse talent, champion authentic Australian stories, and create meaningful opportunities for our nation’s emerging voices. Together, we look forward to uncovering the next generation of storytellers across Australia.”

Shares: