Image: L-R Bigfoot Bruno block of The Writers’ Room initiative — Svetlana Sterlin (observer), Alexei Mizin (mentor), Nicholas Lin (creator/writer), Emma Dunlop (notetaker) and Ryan van Dijk (mentor). High-res downloadable image and headshots here.
Screen Queensland today announced the six screenwriters selected for the inaugural cohort of The Writers’ Room — a unique talent development initiative fast-tracking the next generation of Queensland creatives.
Delivered in Brisbane, The Writers’ Room recreates the fast-paced, collaborative environment of an authentic writers’ room, offering practitioners a rare opportunity to develop their original series projects under the guidance of some of Australia’s most respected showrunners and screenwriters.
Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the Crisafulli Government is proud to support initiatives like The Writers’ Room to nurture Queensland talent and strengthen the state’s screen sector.
“By investing in local practitioners, we are growing a sustainable creative workforce — creating skilled jobs, career pathways and new opportunities for high-calibre content right here in our state.”
Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney said The Writers’ Room is an investment in accelerating Queensland storytellers and is a key element of the agency’s commitment to above-the-line talent development.
“The Writers’ Room initiative is a powerful model where stories are tested and forged. This first year’s cohort is full of exciting voices with bold ideas, and we look forward to seeing the outcomes from this cohort transforming their visions into screen-ready stories.
“Led by Screen Queensland’s Content Director Phil Enchelmaier, this initiative offers an authentic writers’ room experience, building critical skills and fostering collaboration with some of Australia’s industry-leading practitioners.”
Participants will receive high-level mentoring from acclaimed professionals including Libby Butler (Surviving Summer, Loving Captivity), International Emmy Award-winning showrunner, writer and director Belinda Chayko (Safe Harbour, Fires), Christopher Kam (Ghosts, HANNA), award-winning writer duo Alexei Mizin and Ryan van Dijk (Watching You), Lucas Taylor (Black Snow, In Limbo) and CJZ’s Claire Tonkin (Darby and Joan, My Life Is Murder).
Mentor Belinda Chayko expressed her excitement about collaborating with emerging talent through The Writers’ Room initiative.
“When I first started in television, the writers’ room was where I learned—seeing ideas put forward, bounced around and refined. It’s a place to go deep into a project, to discover it anew.”
The Writers’ Room participants and projects are:
Angela Cerasi – Odette
A perfectionist and fiercely independent Aussie is forced to embrace community and chaos when pregnancy complications land her on long-term bed rest in a crowded Irish maternity ward.
Nicholas Lin – Bigfoot Bruno
When med school dropout Oscar hits rock bottom, his suicide attempt is thwarted by Bigfoot and together they struggle to smuggle immortality-granting weed past cops, Bigfoot hunters and drug dealers to Oscar’s dying Dad in China.
Tanya Modini – Watch Your Head
A driven cop’s pursuit of justice collides with her family’s dark secrets, forcing her to choose between her badge and the people she loves.
Alexandra Philp – Yield
After Clio covers up her role in a fatal insecticide accident involving her son, she must prevent another victim’s mother from uncovering the truth, as their small-knit community spills into satanic panic.
Harry Sabulis – Too Fabulous to Die Alone
A 22-year-old gay disaster goes headfirst into a messy journey of self-discovery while his Belarusian Babushka is hell-bent on finding him his perfect husband.
Jenny Wynter – Off Grid
When an optimistic widow loses everything, she drags her kids to their late dad’s off-grid cabin, only to find it is already occupied by a contrarian folk musician – their grandpa.
To learn more about The Writers’ Room and Screen Queensland’s development programs, visit screenqueensland.com.au.
– ENDS –
Media contact
Carrie Barber
Marketing and Communications Manager
media@screenqld.com.au | 07 3248 0500
