2011-12 Programme commenced Tuesday 5 July 2011

To develop Queensland writers through an extended programme of support and leading to a market-ready script within twelve months. The programme is designed to facilitate practical outcomes and the development of a pool of Queensland writing talent.

How to apply

What will we support?

Ideas for features (including animation) and feature documentaries.  Screen Queensland will support selected experienced writers for up to a year to write a project judged to have potential.  Ideas for television projects will not be accepted.

Who may apply?

Queensland based professional writers, especially in film, television, documentary and digital.

How will we select projects?

Strong emphasis will be placed on the quality, originality and audience appeal of the project, judged by external assessors and Screen Queensland experienced personnel.  The capability of the writer to execute the programme and deliver a market-ready script will also be assessed.  Applicants will be shortlisted and assessed based on the following criteria:

• strength and originality of the story;
• structure and thematic strength of the script;
• appeal of the characters;
• quality of the dialogue (where demonstrated);
• audience appeal of the project;
• market appeal of the project;
• potential of the writer and individual writing style;
• viability of the script’s development plan and writer’s ability to execute the development plan.

Applicants will submit either a detailed treatment (approx. 30 pages) or first draft of a feature. The material must be a concept not previously submitted to Screen Queensland.  In addition, the applicant will submit:

• a script development plan;
• a discussion of how s/he would benefit from the programme and what her/his personal goals concerning the programme are;
• a consideration of the target audience and how the project will appeal to that audience.

Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by Screen Queensland and the shortlisted projects also assessed by external assessors.

What is the programme’s structure?

An integral part of the programme is the writers’ group meeting every 2-3 weeks in space provided by Screen Queensland.  The Writers’ Room will be a creative and enterprising environment.  The writers will engage with each other’s material and have the opportunity to engage with Screen Queensland executives, providing constructive criticism within polite guidelines.  Screen Queensland will respond to the needs of the writers and attendance at the group meetings will be a required component.  The writers will also be expected to read at least two scripts per fortnight of produced films and to maintain a reading/viewing diary.  It is expected that the writers will work on their scripts for a minimum of 20 hours per week, and that paid employment will be adjusted to accommodate the inclusion of the Writers’ Room into the writer’s schedule.

Throughout the year, the writers will be supported in the development of their scripts by add-ons to the programme, such as:

• reporting and assessment of the writers’ material within Screen Queensland as an ongoing process as each draft is submitted;
• sessions dedicated to the practice of delivering a pitch;
• development of skills related to assessing scripts, script editing, approaches to script writing and the writer’s journey;
• performed read-throughs with professional actors as an opportunity to workshop the material (a public showcase of the scripts to an industry audience may also be considered);
• an industry night where the writers will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to producers;
• the formation of an online forum to stimulate the exchange of ideas and support outside of the scheduled meeting times.

What will the year contain?

The programme will facilitate communication between the writers and key industry contacts. Screen Queensland will introduce writers, producers and directors into the agenda. 

Screen Queensland will kick off the first meeting with a calendar and an agenda for the year for discussion. The formation of an online forum will stimulate the exchange of ideas and support outside of the scheduled meeting times. Reporting and assessment of the writers' material within Screen Queensland will be an ongoing process as each draft is submitted.

Performed read throughs with professional actors will be an opportunity to workshop the material, possibly identifying where there needs to be work for the final draft submission. 

One of the essential elements of the programme will be an industry event where the writers will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to producers.  

What will be the outcomes of the Writers' Room?

All writers involved in the programme will depart with a market-ready script. Beyond that, Screen Queensland will have given them the tools to critically assess their own work and to generate market interest in their material.  

How many writers will be selected?

Generally, a maximum of five (5) writers will be selected for the programme at each time.

How can material be submitted?

Writers are asked to submit their material electronically via email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Writers' Room will accept applications from 1 February 2011 for the 2011 intake.

Visit ‘The Vault’ for more information including The Writers' Room Application Form.