International Delegations

Talent USA, New York GUIDELINES

Talent USA, New York aims to provide screen creatives who have a high level of recent success with international knowledge, interest, investment, and relationships for their Australian content and careers.

Up to eight delegates will be selected to travel to the Australian International Screen Forum in New York which runs from Tuesday 6 to Thursday 8 of September 2022. 

The program is a mix of pre-departure on-boarding workshops, industry roundtables, panel discussions, matched mentoring sessions, pitching and strategic consultations, and introductions to and advice from a selection of influential New York based screen professionals.

WHO CAN APPLY?

To be eligible for this program, applicants:

• must be Australian citizens or residents and meet our 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 (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 or other online social media platforms 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,

• and have:

• one or more market ready long form episodic scripted series and/or features well suited for US partnerships and US market traction
• 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.

Applications from underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply. This may include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; people who are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; people who are Deaf, hard of hearing or with disability; people who are female or gender diverse; people who identify as LGBTQIA+; and people located in regional and remote areas.

WHAT support is available?

Up to eight delegates will be selected for funding of up to $8,000 per person towards travel to, and living and accommodation in New York City, and any pre/post business activities.

Successful applicants will be:

• provided with ‘all access’ registration to the Australian International Screen Forum (AISF), NYC. 
• supported by an industry mentor and will need to be available (online) for 2 x 60min pre-departure 1:1 meetings with the mentor to prepare strategy for the event and any pre/post event business activities. Applicants will also be required for 1 x 1:1 60min follow up meeting with their assigned mentor after their return; 
• provided with and need to be available (online) for up to 6 x 60min pre departure onboarding roundtable Industry sessions in weeks commencing 22 and 29 August. Sessions will cover topics such as: top tips and learnings from some of the Talent USA, New York alumni; best industry practice and advice for pitching, meeting etiquette and networking in US; talent agents and managers; the current US theatrical and indie film landscape; and, what executives look for, and want to know, when meeting creatives and hearing about them and their projects.

The proposed dates for Talent USA sessions in New York are Tuesday 6 to Thursday 8 September 2022 inclusive.  Delegates should consider arriving in New York on Monday 5 (at the latest) and departing Friday 9 September (at the earliest). Delegates will need to be available to attend all scheduled in person workshops, masterclasses and panels as well as the Australian International Screen Forum screenings and networking activity. These will all happen at the Lincoln Centre. 

Delegates are strongly encouraged to think about staying longer in the US, and consider heading to the Toronto International Film Festival directly after AISF and/or stopping via Los Angeles on way back for further meetings with west coast basedindustry.

When and how can applications be made?

Applications close 5pm AEST Thursday 28 July 2022 and can be made through the Application Portal with the following materials:

• Fully completed application form including contact details and applicant eligibility
• CV including recent credits and details of any commercial, significant viewership and/or major festival or awards success;

• A proposal (maximum 8 pages) that includes:

• detailed information on your current slate of projects. 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 development activities and objectives:
• a list of intended meetings for the trip and the reason and intended outcomes for each; 
• a wish list for speakers and mentors from the New York industry and why you have nominated them? What you are hoping to learn from those you nominate?

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 outcome in writing by Friday 5^th August 2022.

If you are unsure about your eligibility or have questions about the application form, please email us 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.