Applications now open for First Break professional development program
The Australian Writers' Guild and Screenwest are offering 12 emerging screenwriters the opportunity to participate in three workshops covering note-taking, script coordinating and the basics of a writers’ room.
The Australian Writers’ Guild and Screenwest are pleased to launch First Break in Western Australia – a unique professional development program designed to give talented, aspiring WA screenwriters the opportunity to gain in-demand and practical skills, develop their understanding of the screen sector, and build industry connections.
Working as a note-taker or script coordinator in a writers’ room has always been a great entry point for writers seeking their first television credit. The trouble is, how do you gain the necessary skills to apply for these types of coveted roles? And once you have the skills, how do you break in?
First Break is designed to provide participants with the knowledge, training and understanding to obtain work as a note-taker or script coordinator in a writers’ room, get their start in the industry and build vital networks as they do.
At the conclusion of First Break, participants will be showcased to the screen industry via the AWG Pathways website. The Pathways First Break tab will be a permanent resource for industry looking for talented new writers who have valuable skills to offer in writers’ rooms.
“We are so pleased to be supporting the inaugural First Break in Western Australia, following its successful outcomes in other Australian states in the last year. It’s a fantastic and timely professional development opportunity for WA screenwriters to get their foot in the door of television development.” said Martha Coleman, Screenwest Head of Creative: Content & Industry Development.
WHAT IS FIRST BREAK?
First Break is a series of three one-day online workshops run by highly experienced, working writers. Covering note-taking, script coordinating and the basics of a writers’ room, participants will come away with the skills required to get that first break and begin their career in the film and television industry.
Workshop One – Note-taking
Saturday 22 October 2022 from 10am to 4pm (AWST)
The role of the note-taker in a writers’ room is a crucial one – detailed and accurate notes can either make or break a room. Creating a perfect set of notes isn’t easy, and nailing it requires a different skillset to screenwriting. In this workshop, participants will learn the art of skilful note-taking – how to take notes, how to present them and how to make the most of the opportunity. Conducted via Zoom.
Workshop Two – Script Coordinating
Saturday 29 October 2022 from 10am to 4pm (AWST)
During the filming of a television show or movie, the script is constantly evolving. A script coordinator monitors these changes and makes the appropriate revisions for each version of the script. In this workshop, participants will learn what a script coordinator does, how a production office works and how a script coordinator operates within it. The workshop will also cover the basics of Final Draft. Conducted via Zoom.
Workshop Three – In the Writers’ Room
Saturday 5 November 2022 from 10am to 4pm (AWST)
The writers’ room is where writers pitch ideas, brainstorm, break down the scenes, create characters and write first drafts. In order to succeed, it’s crucial to understand how a writers’ room works – who does what and when. This workshop will cover character development, plotting, dialogue and the all-important social etiquette of a writers’ room. Conducted via Zoom.
WHAT THEN?
Competent note-takers and script coordinators are hard to find and are a valuable asset in a writers’ room.
Following the successful completion of these three workshops, each writer will be added to the Pathways website on the new First Break tab.
The cohort will then be promoted to industry using the AWG’s multiple databases including its 9000 subscribers to the AWG newsletter, its 500+ registered users of the Pathways portal (producers, directors, writers and industry professionals) and the 1000 subscribers to the Pathways Newsletter.
The Pathways First Break tab will be a permanent resource for industry looking for talented new writers who have valuable skills to offer in writers’ rooms.
WHO IS FIRST BREAK FOR?
First Break is open to all WA residents*. It is funded by Screenwest and forms part of the AWG’s ongoing, overall professional development strategy to nurture talent and provide opportunities to talented writers by connecting them with industry. *Subject to Screenwest’s Terms of Trade.
IMPORTANT DATES
- Applications open from 9am AWST, Monday 4 July 2022
- Applications close at 5pm AWST, Friday 29 July 2022
- Successful applicants will be announced on Thursday, 1 September 2022
- First Break will be held via Zoom over three Saturdays in October/November 2022 (applicants must be able to attend each of the workshops on the set dates).
HOW CAN I APPLY?
Applications are accepted via the AWG website. Submit a single PDF which includes:
- Expression of Interest – 500 words maximum
- Why I want this opportunity and how I will make the most of it
- One page bio – 500 words maximum
- Writing Sample – maximum 5 pages
- Open only to WA residents*
APPLICATION FEE
AWG Member – no application fee
Non-AWG Member – $10 application fee
PROGRAM CONTACT
Further enquiries can be directed to: enquiries@awgpathways.com.au