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International Delegations

TALENT GATEWAY GUIDELINES

Screen Australia and Australians in Film (AiF) are partnering to provide Australian screen creatives who have a high level of recent international success with the skills, knowledge, access, and relationships necessary to succeed in the global market.

 Up to six delegates will be selected to participate in the Talent Gateway program of roundtables, master-classes, introductions with key US based screen decision makers, and individualised 1:1 mentorships. Each delegate will receive grants of up to $20,000 to enable them to take part in the program which runs from Feb 2024 to June 2024. 

The Talent Gateway program aims to attract US support, investment, and partnerships for Australian content and careers. 

WHO CAN APPLY?

To be eligible for this program, applicants:

  • be Australian citizens or residents and meet Screen Australia’s Terms of Trade 

  • have credits that evidence a strong creative voice and global recognition as a creator and screenwriter and/or director on completed long form scripted episodic series and/or features, and at least one of which that has recently completed (last 4 years):

  • screened on broadcast television or streamed on a subscription based platform, and having been 1 of the top 10 most-watched shows on that platform at time of transmission. [It is noted that data is not always readily available, especially historically, and assessors will give benefit of the doubt based on press links and other media reactions about the title from time of release], or
  • streamed online on any reportable platform, with evidence of audiences/views in excess of 1 million or other evidence of trending on You Tube at time of release, or
  • premiered in official selection at Cannes, Toronto, Venice, Sundance, Berlin, SXSW, Series Mania festivals, or 
  • been distributed and theatrically released in multiple major international territories, or
  • been a recipient of a significant international award such as awards from Cannes, Toronto, Venice, Sundance, Berlin, SXSW festivals or been nominated for Academy, BAFTA, or Emmy awards
  • a ‘written by’ or ‘directed by’ credit of a scripted or documentary feature, series or VR film that has recently (last 4 years):
  • premiered in official selection at Cannes, Toronto, Venice, Sundance, Berlin, SXSW, Series Mania festivals, or 
  • been distributed and theatrically released in multiple major international territories.
  • and have:
  • one or more market ready long form episodic scripted series and/or features well suited for US partnerships
  • some existing experience and interest from US industry.

Priority will be given to applicants with an established talent agent and/or management in Australia and/or US.

You are not eligible for this program if you have: 

  • a parent company with offices in Los Angeles, and/or,
  • been selected for and completed other AIF/ Screen Australia programs such as Gateway LA, Global Producers Exchange, Mentor LA, Talent Gateway, or Talent USA: LA.

WHAT support is available?

Up to six delegates will be selected to take part in the AiF / Screen Australia Talent Gateway program. 

Each delegate will receive grants of up to $20,000, to enable them to actively participate in the bespoke five-month (part-time) online (virtual) program of roundtables, master-classes and introductions with key US based screen decision makers, as well as individualized 1:1 mentorship. 

Funding can also be used to develop, refine and market the IP on their slate that receives any positive interest, and other strategies (including travel) to quickly engage international marketplace partners and finance. 

When and how can applications be made?

Applications close 5pm AEST Thursday 2 November 2023 and can be made via the Screen Australia application portal with the following materials: 

  • Fully completed application form including contact details and applicant eligibility

  • CV including credits applicable to the required credit criteria and details of any commercial, significant viewership and/or major festival or awards success

  • A proposal (maximum 10 pages) that includes:

  • detailed information on your current slate of projects – with 1 or 2 nominated lead* projects that you think would be best suited to workshopping through the program; For each title mentioned on the slate provide: logline, synopsis, the stage of development and what materials are currently available*; any secured development funding; the estimated budget; and information on the currently secured key creative, cast and marketplace attachments and/or interest where applicable; 

  •  specific and intended professional/ business development goals for the program e.g. What are the current strengths and weaknesses of you in relation to the aims of this program? Where are your knowledge gaps or barriers for international partnerships currently? What would you be hoping to learn /gain and then put into action after participating in the program? 

*If your application is shortlisted, you will be asked to supply any existing materials for the lead project(s) (e.g. pitching materials, bible, treatments, scripts) 

If an applicant has access requirements in order to submit their application or potential attendance, or how they would prefer decisions communicated, please email [email protected] and we will make arrangements to assist. 

How are applications assessed? 

Complete and eligible applications will be considered and reviewed by Screen Australia and AiF staff members and/or industry specialists. 

Assessment Criteria

Funding decisions will be made against the following criteria:

  • the strength of the proposal and the perceived strength and diversity of the projects on the slate, as well as the stage of development and suitability of the nominated lead project(s) for the program; 

  •  the amount of perceived traction internationally from the applicant’s completed body of work; and, 

  •  the perceived experience and knowledge of the applicant pertinent to the activity.

Applicants will be advised of either a decline or shortlisted outcome in writing by Friday 1 Dececember 2023. 

Those who are shortlisted will be asked to submit further materials on each lead project and will be required to undergo an interview over video software with AIF and Screen Australia. 

Final outcomes for the shortlisted applicants will be advised in writing by Friday December 22nd 2023. 

Applicants are required to make sure they can be and will use best endeavours to be available to participate in all sessions. 

If you are unsure about your eligibility or have questions about the application form, please email us at [email protected] or call Program Operations on 1800 507 901. Please note that we are not able to provide creative advice or suggestions to strengthen your application. 

Screen Australia and Australians in Film recognise the significant work that goes into the preparation and submission of applications. Due to the anticipated high volume of applicants, we are unable to provide individual feedback on individual applications.