560,000 Infusion for Australian Screen Industry Development Announced.
Screen Australia has unveiled the beneficiaries of its distinguished BTL: Next Step initiative and the Skills Development Fund, marking a significant investment in the Australian screen industry’s future.
With a total of $560,000 allocated towards these programs, the aim is to cultivate a diverse array of talents within the sector, from game developers to film and television professionals, ensuring a robust pipeline of skilled individuals ready to take on the challenges of a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.
Since the launch of the Skills Development Fund in April 2023, Screen Australia has been at the forefront of empowering screen businesses and games development studios with essential work-based learning opportunities. Concurrently, the BTL: Next Step program focuses on enabling mid-career practitioners to broaden their expertise beyond their current specializations.
These initiatives underscore Screen Australia’s dedication to fostering over 430 individuals with more than $3.4 million dedicated to training and skills development, reflecting a deep commitment to nurturing the screen industry’s talent pool.
Ken Crouch, Screen Australia’s head of industry development, highlighted the organization’s strategic focus on building the necessary skills and talent for the industry’s continued success.
“The Skills Development Fund and BTL Next Step initiatives provide unique opportunities for professional crew and game makers to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to advance their careers,”
“We look forward to seeing how this latest cohort will benefit — by being encouraged, challenged and supported to take their career in new and exciting directions.”
The BTL: Next Step program has proudly announced three new placements:
- Jacob Gibson, originating from Gubbi Gubbi Country on the Sunshine Coast, will embark on a journey with Folklore Sound as a sound designer. Gibson, an alum of JMC with a Bachelor’s degree in audio engineering, has previously honed his skills at the post-production house 3P Studio and engaged in various freelance projects across game design, short films, and music production. His placement at Folklore Sound, a company renowned for its collaborative projects with giants like Disney, Lucasfilm, Netflix, and Warner Bros, represents a significant step forward in his career.
- Daria Latter is set to join Helium Pictures as a post-production supervisor for the upcoming season of Last King of the Cross. Latter, who has an impressive background with a Bachelor of Film and Television Production from JMC Academy, has previously contributed to BBC World Service in London and Triple J in Sydney. Her experience with Animal Logic since 2018, working on projects for Warner Bros, Marvel, Netflix, and Matchbox Pictures, positions her well for this new role.
- Stephanie Tiltman will undertake a line producer placement with Hoodlum Entertainment, drawing on her extensive experience in film and television production across Australia and Canada. Tiltman’s career trajectory includes pivotal roles at the New York Film Academy in Sydney, production work on ABC’s Wham Bam Thank You Ma’am, and significant post-production coordination roles in Canada for Jade Fever and Wild Bear Rescue. Her return to Australia saw her coordinating post-production for Warner Bros’ Elvis and supervising on In Our Blood and the feature film Land of Bad.
In parallel, the Skills Development Fund is supporting six innovative projects and programs designed to fill critical skill gaps within the industry:
- The Australian Production Design Guild (APDG) will enhance its Costume Supervisor Pathway Program, focusing on mentorship for mid-career costume department practitioners transitioning to assistant costume supervisor roles, aimed at addressing the demand for skilled professionals in large-scale productions.
- BBC Studios Productions Australia is set to extend its Skills Training and Development Plan through Return to Paradise, emphasizing mentoring, shadowing, and practical training to prepare crew members for future series and other projects within the BBC Studios portfolio.
- Endemol Shine Australia introduces the Post-Production Leadership Initiative, offering leadership mentoring and workshops to facilitate the transition of storytelling professionals to executive and supervisory roles, meeting the industry’s need for managerial talent in post-production.
- A comprehensive training program for production office, locations, and costume department personnel will be implemented alongside the production of Invisible Boys by Stan/Banijay, aimed at building foundational skills for future career growth within these critical areas of production.
- Guck Academy, under the guidance of Hayley Percy and Kati Elizabeth, continues its commitment to professional development, particularly focusing on First Nations staff and underrepresented groups within the industry, fostering an inclusive and diverse creative community.
- The Iron Crab Level Up Initiative by Chaos Theory represents a strategic investment in game development skills, preparing the team for future projects including Crab God, and underscoring Chaos Theory’s commitment to sustainability and quality of life through gaming.
Screen Australia’s latest round of funding through the BTL: Next Step and Skills Development Fund programs is a testament to its dedication to the advancement of the Australian screen industry. By supporting a wide range of skills and career paths, these initiatives not only enrich the talent pool but also ensure the industry’s adaptability and competitiveness on the global stage.
