STATEMENT FROM THE HONOURABLE LEEANNE ENOCH MP
MINISTER FOR TREATY, ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PARTNERSHIPS, MINISTER FOR COMMUNITIES AND MINISTER FOR THE ARTS
- Screen Queensland’s new Channel Lab: YouTube Accelerator initiative will support local creators working in the online video space to share their screen stories.
- This inaugural program will be delivered in partnership with Brisbane’s globally recognised Changer Studios, with support from YouTube.
- Up to 20 emerging Queensland creators will undertake a 16-week program of masterclasses and mentoring to upskill and grow their YouTube audience.
The Miles Government through Screen Queensland today launched the agency’s first Channel Lab initiative to support emerging creators who use online platforms to share their screen stories.
This new initiative, in partnership with Changer with support from YouTube, is providing up to 20 emerging Queensland creators with in-depth training to enhance their production skills, better understand their audience and build their YouTube presence.
Channel Lab: YouTube Accelerator participants will undertake a 16-week masterclass and mentoring program with Brisbane’s globally recognised creator specialists Changer, who have run creator workshops here and internationally in collaboration Google.
Practitioners will be equipped with the skills to maximise their creative potential and one team will be selected at the end of program to attend a major online creator conference.
The program runs from May to September 2024 and is open to practitioners from across Queensland with 5,000 to 150,000 subscribers on YouTube or a significant following on other online platforms.
Applications for Channel Lab: YouTube Accelerator are now open on the Screen Queensland website and close on Monday 8 April.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch:
“The Miles Government, through Screen Queensland, is proud to champion Queensland’s emerging online creators, who can share local screen stories with global audiences in increasingly accessible and immediate ways.
“The Channel Lab initiative is a significant new program partnering with industry leaders that will grow Queensland creators’ production experience to enhance their storytelling capabilities so they can develop long-term career pathways.
“This exciting initiative will contribute to the delivery of our Creative Together 2020-2030: 10-year roadmap for Queensland arts, culture and creativity, and our priorities to grow a strong and sustainable sector, share our stories and celebrate our storytellers.”
Quotes attributable to Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney:
“Screen Queensland is excited to be working with Changer and YouTube to support our local online creators to enhance their practice and reach new audiences, to help build the dynamic ecosystem here in Queensland.
“YouTube offers limitless possibilities for creators to experiment with ideas, develop a unique and enduring voice, and produce engaging and entertaining videos for audiences locally and internationally.
“Under the expert guidance of Brisbane’s Changer, our state’s emerging practitioners have a transformative opportunity to upskill and innovate with industry leaders whose insights are sought after across the world.”
Quotes attributable to Changer Co-Founder Farhad Meher-Homji:
“Changer is thrilled to embark on this collaboration with Screen Queensland, who share our vision for nurturing creativity and fostering sustainability within the content creation landscape.
“The launch of this new Channel Lab program reflects our commitment to equipping the next generation of content creators with the requisite tools and support to thrive in the creator economy.
“By creating an environment that champions collaboration, innovation, and skill development, both organisations aim to contribute significantly to the growth and success of the Queensland creative sector.”
Quote from Dan Stephenson, Content Partnerships Manager, YouTube Australia & New Zealand:
“YouTube is proud to support Screen Queensland and Changer for Channel Lab: YouTube Accelerator.
“By providing forums for mentoring and upskilling across production and with the necessary tools, we aim to help foster a vibrant and thriving creator ecosystem—and we’re excited to see what opportunities this opens up for new talent and telling their unique stories.”
Fast facts
Screen Queensland is the only state screen agency in Australia to have a full-time Program Manager dedicated to developing opportunities for online creators, with Jesse McCart appointed in late 2023. Channel Lab: YouTube Accelerator is the first initiative in the talent development program.
YouTube is one of the largest user-generated content platforms in the world with over 2.7 billion monthly users. The platform is home to high quality, non-mainstream content across both scripted and factual streams, attracting large and diverse audiences, particularly among younger generations. An estimated 77 per cent of 15–35 year-olds in the US engage with the platform.
Changer was initially funded by Screen Queensland’s YouTube Entrepreneur program in 2017. Since then, they have grown into world-leading experts in helping brands, media companies and producers build new audiences and foster stronger engagement through targeted video strategies and social content.
Changer delivered an Accelerator program with Screen Queensland in 2020. Alumni of this program are now some of the most successful YouTubers in the country, including Tibees (1.2 million subscribers) and Self-Sufficient Me (2.2 million subscribers).
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Media contact
Amanda Lawson, Head of Marketing and Communications
07 3248 0500
media@screenqld.com.au
