Screen Queensland is calling for applications for the inaugural Greg Coote Scholarship – an opportunity for an experienced writer, producer, director or creative executive to spend a minimum of 6-8 weeks in a US television series writers’ room.
The Scholarship will be awarded to an individual with experience and success in creating drama for the screen, and a demonstrable passion for creating television drama.It is an opportunity for a Queensland creative to learn and capitalise from the prestige and quality of US television drama as part of Screen Queensland’s strategy to develop the state’s pool of talent in television and long-form drama.
About the Greg Coote Scholarship
The Greg Coote Scholarship – established by Screen Queensland and Australians In Film – honours the work of one of Australia’s most prolific industry figures and continues his extraordinary legacy of opening doors for Australian talent in the global screen industry. The Scholarship – launched by actor Hugh Jackman in 2014 – will be awarded in its inaugural year to a writer, producer, director or creative executive with a successful record in creating drama for the screen, a passion for creating television drama, and a desire to learn from the best in the business. Worth approximately $30,000 (AUD), the Scholarship will fund the costs of the placement, including travel and visas, and provide a small weekly wage to the recipient.
The Scholarship placement must be taken up within the 12 months after the Scholarship is awarded. Note: it will take an estimated three (3) months to obtain the necessary US visa.
“As an industry guild here in LA, Australians in Film’s mission is to bridge the US and Australian entertainment industries with initiatives like these. AiF has grown considerably over the past few years and we are focusing more on career development and education, in addition to our extensive screening programs. We are excited to be partnering with Screen Queensland to provide this invaluable experience to a Queensland writer to get first-hand experience of the inner workings of a US writer’s room,” said Simonne Overend, President of Australians in Film.
Key dates
Applications open: Wednesday July 15 2015
Applications close: Monday August 3 2015
Shortlisted applicants notified: Thursday August 13 2015
Shortlist interviews: Monday August 17 2015 and Tuesday August 18 2015
Scholarship awarded: Wednesday August 19 2015
Scholarship placement: TBC
Who can apply?
• The Greg Coote Scholarship is open to experienced bona fide Queensland writers, producers, directors or creative executives.
• Applicants must demonstrate professional credits or a demonstrable body of work on long-form drama for the screen.
What do I need to provide in order to apply?
All applications must include:
A full curriculum vitae, a statement outlining your suitability for the Scholarship (this should address the assessment criteria), a writing sample (up to 30 pages), director’s reel, or producer’s show reel as appropriate.
How will my application be assessed?
All applications will be assessed on the following criteria:
The track record of the applicant
The quality of the submitted work (writing sample, director’s reel, producer’s show reel)
The benefit to the applicant, and their career
The potential benefit to the Queensland screen industry
How do I apply?
You can apply online at http://screenqueensland.smartygrants.com.au/
Please allow for system down time or Internet service provider problems when completing your application and save the application regularly.
Please note late applications cannot be accepted.
Screen Queensland reserves the right to not accept incomplete applications.
An automated application email will be sent to you within 30 minutes as confirmation that Screen Queensland has received your application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to contact Screen Queensland if you do not receive an application receipt email.
Who should I contact for further information?
Nadine Bates, Development & Production Executive, Screen Queensland
nbates@screenqld.com.au
Phone: (+61) 7 3248 0500
or
Hannah Fitzpatrick, Assistant to the Head of Development & Production | Screen Queensland
hfitzpatrick@screenqld.com.au
Phone: (+61) 7 3248 0512
About Greg Coote
Greg Coote was one of Australia’s most prolific industry figures.
Greg ran LA-based Larrikin Entertainment with David Calvert-Jones; he was a producer and financier of theatrical movies, television programs and digital entertainment content. He was also a non-executive director of Bollywood distributor Eros International, chairman of US distributor China Lion, chairman of the ScreenSingapore convention and a member of the advisory board of the Singapore Government’s Media Development Authority. Previously Greg was chairman and CEO of Dune Entertainment, which co-financed more than 60 movies with 20th Century Fox, including Avatar.
Born in Australia, Greg started his career in the mailroom, working his way from the ground up to become Managing Director of Roadshow Films. He left Village Roadshow to head the Rupert Murdoch-owned Network Ten as Managing Director before joining Columbia Pictures in Los Angeles as President, International Theatrical. He re-joined Village Roadshow when it became publicly listed and was appointed to the parent board. As the founding president and CEO of Village Roadshow Pictures in Los Angeles, he steered the company through 10 consecutive years of profits and forged a multi-million-dollar production deal with Warner Bros, including The Matrix franchise.
Not only was Greg prolific in business, he was also an extraordinary leader and advocate for the arts in the public schools. Greg founded an arts endowment campaign to fund arts programs in perpetuity and to create a model for other school districts around the state and country. He was a generous and strong individual who was able to bring people along with him when it came to making sure that the arts remained part of the public school curriculum.
About Australians in Film
Founded in 2001, Australians in Film (AiF) is a Los Angeles based non-profit organisation made up largely of Australians who work in the film and television industry.
AiF host monthly screenings and special events to celebrate the work of Australian film and television makers. Many of the AiF members are also active voting members of other prestigious groups such as: Academy of Motion Picture, Arts & Sciences; Screen Actors Guild; Hollywood Foreign Press Association and Director’s Guild.
AiF has the support of the Australian Government and claim some of the biggest companies in Australia as active sponsors as well as boasting more than 600 members, mixing antipodean actors and filmmakers with key American industry members. AiF proudly acknowledges their Ambassadors who have pledged their support to their mission, and frequently attend Q&A screenings of their films for members including Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe, Naomi Watts and Mel Gibson.
